Midlife Dimensions

If one or two of these situations are happening in your life, you are beginning to experience a stress overload. If several are happening, you are on the edge of a crisis.

• Decision-making becomes difficult (both major and minor types).
• Excessive daydreaming or fantasizing about "getting away from it all."
• Increased use of cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs.
• Thoughts trail off while speaking or writing.
• Excessive worrying about everything and anything.
• Sudden outbursts of temper and hostility.
• Paranoid ideas and mistrust of friends and family.
• Forgetfulness about appointments, deadlines, dates.
• Frequent spells of brooding and feeling of inadequacy.

Crisis means that there has been a breakdown of your normal life system. Indicators are such things as depression, involvement with alcohol, an affair, or inability to concentrate. Abrupt life change indicates a stress overload and that your personality is trying to compensate. A midlife crisis is a positive way to force you to rethink your life and direction. Don't try to suppress your Midlife Crisis--this is a great time to grow and become a more effective person.