Psychologists view midlife crisis as a shift in life priorities

A midlife crisis, typically occurring between the ages of 40 and 55, may serve as an indicator of shifting personal needs and priorities. According to Steffen Häfner, a specialist in psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy, the phase is characterized by an intensive confrontation with one's life, identity, and past decisions.

Symptoms can manifest in various ways, including feelings of inner emptiness, intense dissatisfaction, anxiety about the future, social withdrawal, and mood swings. Some individuals may exhibit impulsive behaviors, such as radical career changes, new hobbies, or risky investments.

Häfner, who is also the Medical Director of the Klinik am schönen Moos, advises against suppressing these emotions. Instead, he suggests using the phase as an opportunity for self-reflection to develop a stronger self-image. He recommends questioning whether current goals are driven by habit or external expectations and encourages discussing these thoughts with friends and family to find solutions.