Feeling Stuck in a Rut? Take This Quiz to Find Out If It’s a Midlife Crisis

Mind the gap in the middle ages!

Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS

Ah, the midlife crisis. That weird time in our lives when we question everything from our hairstyle to our job, and every life choice in between. That time when we have to battle the urge to run away and escape our lives several times a day.

The Midlife Crisis Quiz

But hey, before you quit your job, hack off your hair, blow your life savings on a convertible, and commit to a life on the road, take this short, free quiz to check whether it’s actually a midlife crisis, or you know, just another Monday:

Takeaway

This quiz is not meant to be a diagnostic tool or replace the support of a credentialed mental health professional, such as a therapist. If you need help or just don't know where to start, please reach out to a mental healthcare professional for support.

Related: I Don't Want to Grow Up: What Should I Do About That?

Who Is This Quiz For?

This quiz is for anyone who’s experiencing midlife and wondering if they’re having a full-blown midlife crisis. Midlife is generally considered to be the period between the ages of 40 and 60, plus or minus 10 years. Situated between youth and old age, this period can feel a little vague and undefined.

This quiz can help you put a finger on any feelings of discontent, uncertainty, or anxiety you’re experiencing about your middle years.

Moreover, it can help you determine whether it might be time to make some changes to your life or routine. It can also help you identify whether you might need support from friends, family, or a mental healthcare professional.

What Are the Signs of a Midlife Crisis?

These are some of the signs of a midlife crisis:

• Feeling dissatisfied: You might experience a sense of dissatisfaction or disillusionment with your life. Societal pressures around careers, lifestyles, or appearances can contribute to this feeling of inadequacy.

• Having an identity crisis: You may find yourself feeling very lost or uncertain. It can feel like you’re losing your identity, your beliefs, or your purpose in life.

• Questioning your choices: You may question your life decisions, both big and small, wondering if they’re right for you. You may wonder about missed opportunities and how your life would have turned out if you had chosen differently.

• Fearing getting old: You might think about getting older, losing your health or fertility, falling sick, or dying—and these thoughts might terrify you.

• Wishing for change: You may find yourself wanting to alter your job, lifestyle, appearance, or surroundings, just for the sake of making a change.

• Being impulsive: You might crave change so badly that you may find yourself doing something drastic, reckless, or impulsive.

• Wanting to escape: You may constantly feel like you just want to escape your life and get away from it all.

• Reminiscing about your youth: You may feel nostalgic about your youth and wish for the days gone by. However, your memories of your past may be more idealistic than realistic.

• Neglecting your well-being: You may neglect your health and well-being and fall into unhealthy habits.

• Rebuffing loved ones: You may pull away from loved ones and rebuff their attempts to reach out to you.

• Experiencing depression: You may experience mood swings or feelings of depression.

• Experiencing physical changes: You may experience changes in your appetite, sleep patterns, or energy levels.
  

Related: How to Be More Mature

The Importance of a Positive Mindset

Maintaining a positive mindset is key to navigating the feelings of insecurity and uncertainty that can accompany a midlife crisis. 

A positive mindset can help you:

• Embrace change: It’s important to recognize that change is a natural part of life. Instead of resisting it, a positive mindset can help you embrace it as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation.

• Practice gratitude: Cultivate a sense of gratitude for the positive aspects of your life, such as relationships, achievements, and experiences.

• Stay flexible: Keep an open mind to trying new things and exploring different paths.

• Find your purpose: Explore activities, hobbies, or volunteer opportunities that bring meaning and purpose to your life.

• Avoid comparisons: Avoid comparing yourself to others and be grateful for what you have instead. Remember that perfection is a mirage; everyone’s life has their unique pros and cons.

Read Next: ‘I Hate My Life': What to Do and How to Cope

Read the original article on Verywell Mind.