Midlife crisis – This phrase is used to be synonymous with the unusual things people do, often out of the blue. It may be putting a halt to the thriving business, quitting your steady job, purchasing a sport car or even divorcing your spouse. But of late, this long-held and depressing view of midlife crisis has changed.

The mental health experts opine that this change is not a crisis but a transition phase that has the potential to usher in a positive change in your life. What you need to do is not to let the pressure of transition take its toll on you.

What is midlife crisis?

Dean Jones, PhD, director of the Counseling and Psychological Services Center at Appalachian State University, Boone, N.C, who has done extensive research in adult development and transitions opines that the concept of midlife crisis came to the fore only in the early 1980’s.

“The midlife crisis was not part of the normal diagnosis and there is no specific age at which people get affected by it. But it can affect anytime between the age of 37 to 50,” he reveals. “This transition or crisis can be the result of some specific yet significant event in life. It may be the passing away of your parents, the start of a new decade or even the graduation of your children,” he further elaborates.

Role of Gender in Midlife Crisis

“Midlife crisis affects both men and women, although the cause and effect may seem to be different,” says Jones. Men generally are sensitive to their accomplishment and are eager to prove their worth in terms of their job excellence or even their ability to buy a sports car.

This may not always be true in every case but men constantly seek success, notwithstanding their mediocre achievements in life. Women give more importance to their relationship. Hence, as they approach midlife, they tend to reassess their role as a mother and wife.

Midlife Crisis – An inevitable yet normal phase of life.

The midlife change should be regarded as part of life. Yale psychologist Daniel Levinson in his well-known theory regarding adult development, states that the adult life is set up with different stages. His whole theory revolves around life structure that signifies the very basis of living at a particular point of life.

Most people view their job and family as the basis of life structure. But the financial status, emotional moorings and religion are also part of it. Daniel Levinson contends that this transition is just a step into another phase of life. “As the midlife approaches, people take stock of their situation. They reassess their achievements, aims and priorities,” Jones says.

Women, after raising their children, concentrate on their work and career with a renewed vigor. “Women find the time and zeal to rediscover and pursue their dream that were left in the way due to other commitments,” Jones says.

Similarly, men may find the joy and happiness by indulging in activities like art, cooking or taking care of the children. “Sometimes, women may feel that they have done their duties and may not be particularly eager to do womanly jobs like babysitting the grandchildren.

Midlife transition

“The midlife change, with its promise is a step towards fulfillment and can have a positive effect on life. But some people may find it difficult to cope with,” says Joan R. Sherman, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist in Lancaster, Pa. Various factors like the support of the spouse and family members come into play that can either make this transition smooth or troublesome.

In this context, Sherman gives the example of a woman who consulted her for counseling. The husband of the woman was constantly out of home on his work, leaving her to bring up the children and other responsibilities of the family. She had earlier left her job as a nurse to look after the home full-time. Now, when the children have grown up and are ready to join college, she is confused about her role. “What now?” she thinks. It is as if she has lost her bearing in the new scenario. Her husband became worried when she slept and cried for a whole week.

So, Sherman advised the woman during her next therapy session, “It is not a case of losing your identity; rather a chance to build a new and challenging one.” “The idea appealed to her. With less responsibility in the family-front, she had the opportunity to carve a new career and identity. She contacted a college placement service to find out the available opportunities,” Sherman said.

Midlife Crisis and Depression.

“Unfortunately, the midlife transition phase is not smooth for everybody. Many people succumb to the sense of loss and confusion which can result in depression. So, you should be aware of the signs that may lead to it,” advises Jones

The following are some of the symptoms:

• Change in your food habits
• Sleeping disorders including change in sleeping patterns, tiredness and restlessness
• A sense of despair and dejection
• Anger, petulance and uneasiness
• Sense of self-pity and guilty
• Sudden lack of interest in enjoyable things like one’s hobbies and other interests (including sex)
• Development of suicidal tendency
• Development of pains like headache, body-ache and gastrointestinal problems

What can you do if the midlife crisis leads to depression?

Anita H. Clayton, MD, professor of psychiatry and neurobehavioral sciences at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville says that antidepressant medicines along with behavioral or talk therapy are the way out. According a study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, a comparative evaluation was conducted among 656 persons who were suffering from chronic depression. The result showed that a combination of both behavioral therapy and medicine is the best treatment in stead of only either of them. “But in cases of mild depression, either of them may bring in full remission,” says Clayton. So what do you think? Is midlife crisis a transition or a depression?

Most smokers who successfully quit the habit of smoking, suffer from its withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, it can be mild but at times, the problems can be severe and persistent and can cause various problems. Hence, it is always better to be aware of them in advance and be prepared to face it.

Let’s find out about some of the more common withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking.

Withdrawal Symptoms #1:Headache – This is by far the most common symptoms that smokers have to adjust to after quitting the habit of smoking. During the period of smoking, there was less supply of oxygen to the body, as more and more carbon monoxide was being inhaled. After quitting smoking, the body reacts to the enhanced supply of oxygen, which in turn may result in headache and dizziness. You may take the help of medication, if the headache is persistent. Yoga and breathing techniques also help in alleviating the problem.

Withdrawal Symptoms #2:Coughing – Coughing is a natural symptom that occurs after quitting habit. Some experts even view it as a good thing. In fact, through coughing the lungs try to get rid of the toxins that get glued to hairs of lungs due to prolonged smoking. Generally, it takes about some months to get rid of the toxins completely. Hence, the coughing may persist till that time. But you would surely enjoy the free breathing after it.

Withdrawal Symptoms #3:Restlessness and mental irritation – Many people show signs of irritation and anxiety after quitting the habit of smoking. During the period of smoking, the body is adjusted to the constant supply of nicotine. Hence, when deprived of it, the body reacts in this way. This often proves to be a great impediment in quitting the habit successfully, as the person finds it difficult to come to terms with this change in behavior. But this is only temporary and could be controlled with counseling and will power. Indulging in sports and other creative activities also helps.

Withdrawal Symptoms #4:Sleep disorder – In cases of smokers, the body forms its own biological clock with respect to sleeping habits. So, people often find it difficult to get sleep after quitting the habit. The sleeping disorders may also result in headache.

Withdrawal Symptoms #5:Depression and lack of concentration – Nicotine is a powerful chemical that stimulates the brain. So, people who are in the habit of smoking are generally more attentive and focused during smoking. But after quitting the habit, the brain is deprived of the stimulator. Hence, people may find it hard to concentrate. In some cases, they may even suffer from depression. But all these problems go away after some time.

Withdrawal Symptoms #6: Constipation – Some people have the habit of associating smoking with bowl movements. Nicotine also has a role in stimulating the bowl movement to certain extent. Such people may develop constipation after quitting the habit of smoking.

Some people may experience more withdrawal symptoms than others, if they become unbearable, seek help from your physician immediately.

If you know of other withdrawal symptoms and would like to share with us, please feel free to do so.

Are these statements “Only women suffer from bouts of depression”; “Once you get it, you are strangled with it for the rest of your life”; or “It is only in the mind” depression myths? These are some of the statements one often comes across. Yes, there are myths abound about clinical depression, and they all make it hard to have the perspective of it both in terms of its nature and treatment.

Probably, this can be attributed to our propensity to club the word depression to a myriad range of moods and mental illnesses, as the case may be. By this, the real sense of clinical depression warranting treatment gets obscured.

Let’s find out some of the common Depression Myths and their truth:

1.  Top depression myths is that depression is not under the sphere of medical illness

Clinical depression is definitely a grave medical issue with biological and genetic roots, affecting both mind and the body. There is an increased level of stress hormones in the body of the people with depression. Their brain scan also reveals decreased activities in some parts of the brain.

2.    Even if it is a medical problem, you can’t help it

Depression can be treated and over 80 percent of patients respond well. With the breakthrough in new medications, this would surely rise.

Ruling out any other causes of depression like thyroid problem should be done first. For this, the doctor should be contacted immediately, who after proper diagnosis of the cause, would prescribe medicines, psychotherapy or both.

3.    Depression is similar to getting the ‘blues’. Hence, it is normal

Viewing depression like blues is like equating common cold with pneumonia. Everybody has his share of blues in the daily life. They can be the result of some disappointing events or even some frivolous ones like a rainy day. Of course they are short-lived and you don’t develop suicidal tendencies because of them. But, depression can last throughout the life. It is also more agonizing and life-threatening.

4.  The other depression myths is that depression is only a manifestation of self-pity

About 19 million people suffer from depression only in the US. The list of people who have been its victim include great names like Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, George Patton, abolitionist John Brown, Robert E. Lee, Florence Nightingale, Sir Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin, J.P. Morgan, Barbara Bush, Ludwig von Beethoven and Michelangelo. These great people wouldn’t just while away their time pitying themselves!

5.  The other depression myths include you can override depression through sheer will power

Depression is a pathological condition just like diabetes or heart disease. You can’t will it away. It manifests due to certain chemicals changes in the body and hence you can’t get the better of it just through sheer will power. In fact, taking medical advice tells a lot about your determination and courage to overcome it, as this condition is often stigmatized in the society.

6.  Another popular depression myths is that depression will go away on its own

Some very fortunate people may get cured of depression on their own but for the majority of cases, it lasts for a considerable period of time or even for ever. People, who already have it once, also are at a greater risk to have more bouts of depression. Clinical depression can prove to be fatal and may result in suicide, if left untreated.

7.  Another common depression myths is that depression is part of the aging process

While it is not part of the aging process, it is true that elder people have more of the causes that can trigger it – monetary matters, failing health, loneliness etc. People over the age of sixty, are not tuned to accept depression as a normal medical disorder like the present generation and hence, do not seek medical help.

8.    Women are the only victims of depression

The reported cases of women being affected by depression is twice that of men. But sometimes, cases go unreported as in some societies; men do not come forward to seek medical help. Successful suicide attempts are more prevalent among men compared to women. So, it is imperative that men seek medical advice for the symptoms of depression.

9.  One of the depression myths is that depression is part of the growing up process and hence, teenagers and children do not get it

However we may wish to the contrary, children do become the victim of depression. As per the National Institute of Mental Health, one in 33 children and one in 8 adolescent suffer form depression every year. It is the duty of the adults to mark the symptoms of depression, as children would not able to vent their thoughts properly.

10.  Depression is hereditary

If you have a history of depression in your family, you are genetically predisposed to it just like the diabetes or high blood pressure. It doesn’t mean that you would surely get it though. It is just that you are at a higher risk than other people. So, go for medical treatment immediately, if you find any symptoms.

It is difficult to separate some depression myths from the fact, so if you’re unsure about something, it’s in your best interest to consult a physician.

Anger can be the reason for many mental health problems. So, it is necessary to be enlightened about them and the associated dangers of suppressed anger along with the various ways to deal with it.

What is anger?

Anger is a normal and a natural reaction that comes from a feeling of disgust, dissatisfaction, irritation or hurt. Its intensity may vary from simple peeving to flaring rage.

Dangers of suppressed anger?

Anger, however normal or it may just seem to be, if suppressed can be the reason behind anxiety and depression over time. Any anger, when not vented properly, can wreak havoc in the mental as well as physical bearing of people.

Chronic anger is known to cause many health related problems like headaches, digestive disorder, skin problems, high blood pressure, depression and cardiac ailments. Moreover, it can also set in emotional disturbances that might result in violent behavior and crime.

How can you deal with your anger?

When you are overwhelmed with anger, try to rationalize the cause of your anger in a positive way. Take deep breaths slowly. Say to yourself words like ‘calm down’ or ‘take it easy’ in order to soothe your soul. Go on doing this till you are able to take control of your anger.

• It is a fact that venting your anger is better than suppressing it. Venting it properly is important; otherwise it may cause both emotional as well as social problems. Bouts of anger put pressure on the cardio-vascular system of the body, apart from creating stress and anxiety. It is important to channelize your anger in a positive way. Instead of being driven by rage, it is better to deal with things in an assertive manner.
• Talk to your family and friends about it. Proper counseling goes a long way in keeping your anger in check.
• Maintain a record of the situations and times that drives you to bursts of anger. This would give you an inkling of the impending bouts of anger.
• Try to rationalize the reasons of anger by putting yourself in other shoes.
• Look at the funny sides of life and develop a sense of humor.
• Be a good listener. It not only helps you to develop effective communications skills but also inculcates a good inter-personal relationship. This also helps to impose trust on others, thereby enabling you resolve issues of anger.
• Be assertive instead of being defensive or charged up with suppressed anger.
• Expressing yourself in a calm but sure way helps to deal with emotions. For this, you can learn the techniques of assertiveness from self-help books or even seek counseling from an expert.

Other ways to deal with your anger

In cases where it is not possible on your part to keep your anger under leash, then it is better to consult a psychologist or even a psychiatrist. At times, uncontrolled anger can become morbid. In such case, the psychiatrist would prescribe drugs to keep it under control.

But before that, other behavior change techniques should be tried. Hence, it is important to choose a mental health expert carefully. An able mental health will be able to thoroughly evaluate your behavior patterns and mental conditions and recommend methods of anger management.

This original article is presented to you by MyHealthToday.com © 2010

Anxiety disorders affect millions of people across the country, and one of the most dangerous things about these disorders is that they can lead to thoughts of suicide if left untreated. If you are currently having thoughts of suicide, even on an occasional basis, ask for help. You can do this by calling a doctor or just talking to friends and family members who may be able to help you. Anxiety disorders are not the end of your lifeyou can overcome them.

If you’re having thoughts of suicide, there is nothing other people can do to make you feel better about yourself. However, they can give you the tools needed to do that. Lots of people kill themselves every year using suicidal methods like hanging, shooting, cutting, and overdosing, but these deaths are a real shame, since every single person has value in the community. You may feel hopeless right now, but there are people who can show you how to feel better. Although it is very difficult to deal with anxiety, others have gone through the same thing and can teach you methods for overcoming.

Call 9-1-1 or your local suicide hotline immediately if you are having thoughts of injuring yourself, for whatever reason. You are not alone in this ordeal, or else these phone lines would not exist. You can call anonymously in order to simply talk to someone about your problems. There is no pressure to do or not do anythingit is simply a tool to talk to someone and hear new ideas.

Pain and sadness is normal in every single person’s life, although many people hide it very well. However, if you find that your anxiety disorder is causing too much pain for you to bear, you can do one of two things: work to reduce the pain or work to increase your skills and resources for dealing with the pain. Although you may feel alone right now, millions of people are getting the help they need and living happy lives.

If nothing else, take some time to think about things. Even if you’ve had a horrible day, give yourself a few hours or days or even weeks to make a decision on ending your life. In that time, consider all of the options available to you and think about the other people your suicide will hurt. Suicide is not the answer to relief from pain in most cases, so by truly examining your feelings, you can work towards happier days.

Meditation will give you confident and you can easily handle any problems in your life.

This article is brought to you by M.S.Benz.