Midlife crisis is a term used to describe a period of dramatic self-doubt that is felt by some individuals in their "middle years” or middle age of life, as a result of sensing the passing of their own youth and the imminence of their old age.

This is the time in life when people do outrageous, impractical things like quit a job unwisely, if one is rich they buy  flashy sports cars and hang out with people much younger than they are, or dump their  spouses. For years, midlife crisis conjured those images. But these days, the old midlife crisis is more likely to be called a midlife transition and it’s not all bad.

The dictionary defines ‘Midlife crisis,’ as a period of psychological stress that occurs in middle age. This is thought to be triggered by a physical, occupational, or domestic event, as menopause, diminution of physical prowess or departure of children from the home.

Dr. Jean Damascene Ruzibiza of Kanombe Hospital says the term ‘crisis’ often doesn’t fit, because while it can be accompanied by serious depression, it can also mark a period of tremendous growth.

"It was never a formal diagnostic category,” he says of the term midlife crisis. Adding that, the age at which midlife crisis strikes varies.

"Midlife crisis could occur anywhere between the ages of 37 through to the 50s,” he says. Adding, "The most important truth is that this event doesn’t have to become a crisis. This should be a time of life to embrace change to become something greater. Don’t let this be a fear driven event, instead follow inner inspiration to make life better.”

martin.bishop18@yahoo.com