Life Style

Types of Life Crises in Adulthood and How to Handle Them

You’ve likely heard about the midlife crisis, but it’s just one of the challenging stages psychologists discuss. Let’s explore other periods when life undergoes significant changes, values shift, and what experts recommend to navigate these moments.

At What Ages Do Life Crises Occur?

The exact onset and duration of challenging periods vary for everyone, but the sequence and nature of the issues are often the same.

Crisis at 18-25

This stage marks the transition from the carefree teenage years to the realities of adulthood. You face the need to make your first independent decisions about your career and relationships, find your purpose, and determine the meaning of life. Unsurprisingly, feelings of uncertainty and anxiety about the future are common.

During this time (though the timing differs for everyone), you likely complete your education, start your first serious job, and experience your first significant relationships. These relationships bring both joyful moments and disappointments and may often end unsuccessfully.

Your value system and worldview also evolve. Previously, you mostly adopted your parents’ ideals while living with them. Now, you’re on your own, with an expanded social circle, and you alone decide what resonates with you and whether your current path suits you.

Having overcome this phase, you emerge as an independent person capable of navigating and adapting to the adult world, knowing where you want to go.

How to Handle It

Support from experienced individuals is crucial — these could be mentors, academic supervisors, older siblings, or friends. Focus on self-development, explore your interests and values, and build communication and relationship skills. Try as many new activities as possible. What if you want to place a bet on your favorite sports or prepare a cake for your friend’s birthday? Don’t hesitate, just give these things a chance. Maybe they will become your hobbies or even the new income streams. These will prove invaluable in the future.

Crisis at 30

The crisis between 28 and 33 years old is a period for taking stock and reevaluating expectations. By this age, most of us have a stable partner, sometimes children, and significant professional experience. If things have gone well, you might be a leading specialist or even a mid-level manager. This is when you reflect on your past and assess how your achievements align with the dreams of your youth — and whether you’re satisfied with them.

Disappointment is common during this phase. Thoughts like, “I’m already 30, but I still haven’t…” often arise. Some dreamed of a stellar career but feel stuck in a rut. Others have achieved much but feel burned out or realize they’re not pursuing their true calling. You may have stepped away from a managerial role during maternity leave, only to lose touch with your former self, while motherhood may not be what you envisioned.

Comparing yourself to peers can be particularly challenging, especially if it seems your former classmates are doing much better. At work, a younger, ambitious generation may seem to be catching up, just as you were in your 20s.

Personal relationships also face challenges at this age. Some have endured painful breakups or divorces, while others face difficulties stemming from children or disappointment in their partners.

The result? Change. Some leave stable jobs to start a business or embrace a simpler life on a tropical island, while others transition from freelancing to more stable employment. Similarly, in personal life, some seek more secure relationships or work on existing ones, while others embrace solitude to reconnect with themselves.

How to Handle It

The key task is to reassess your expectations. Reflect on what truly matters to you and shed societal standards that don’t align with your values.

Crisis at 40-45 (Midlife Crisis)

The midlife crisis is the most well-known. At this stage, you realize life is fleeting — half of it is already behind you. You still have energy, but your body starts to change, and you tire more easily. If you want children or more children, there are only a few years left to make it happen.

You feel an urgency to achieve unfulfilled dreams, reevaluate your relationships and career, and even let go of certain aspirations forever. This is a time to discard what no longer serves you, focusing on what truly matters.

You constantly ask yourself: “Where am I now? Am I happy with this? What do I truly want, and can I still achieve it?” If these questions lead to disappointment, it’s important to revisit your priorities and goals.

This crisis offers an opportunity to reevaluate life, choose a new direction, and free yourself from what no longer brings joy or value. Some people make drastic career changes, while others reevaluate their relationships and social circles, seeking greater understanding and harmony. The spiritual realm becomes increasingly important, prompting deep self-reflection and interest in psychology and spiritual practices.

How to Handle It

Focus on the positives in your life, find new hobbies, and embrace your uniqueness without comparing yourself to others.

Crisis at 50-55

This stage often involves feelings of loss, such as children leaving home and the approach of old age. Physical changes can lead to anxiety and sadness, along with the onset of chronic illnesses.

While this isn’t old age, maintaining energy and health requires much more effort. There are still 15–20 active years ahead, but you’re acutely aware of how quickly time passes. Many take their health more seriously during this period, adopting healthier lifestyles with exercise, detox routines, and wellness retreats.

It’s vital to redefine the meaning of life and set goals for the coming years. The experience and knowledge accumulated so far can benefit not only your family but also others. New challenges and hobbies can help sustain your zest for life.

Traveling to explore new cultures and gaining fresh experiences can be especially fulfilling. For example, indigenous Mexican cultures celebrated a special initiation at 53, marking the transition from a mature mother to a wise woman and mentor.

If you find purpose and meaning, you’ll remain energetic and vibrant. Conversely, losing a sense of purpose can accelerate aging and emotional decline.

How to Handle It

Stay active, nurture social connections, and seek new sources of inspiration. Volunteering and discovering new passions can be incredibly rewarding.

Crisis at 65+ (Crisis of Old Age)

This stage involves retiring, losing loved ones, facing health challenges, and confronting the finality of life. Feelings of loneliness and loss of purpose can be overwhelming.

Social circles often shrink as children focus on their lives — sometimes far away — and friends and acquaintances begin to fall ill or pass away.

The silver lining? Older adults often enjoy greater freedom from societal expectations and can live according to their own terms. Many learn to appreciate each moment, cherish good memories, and accept life as it is.

How to Handle It

Support from family and close ones is crucial but often lacking. If you’re alone, find a group that shares your interests — be it religious communities, active aging programs, or hobby clubs like crafting or walking groups. Maintaining social activity and finding small joys in life is essential.

How to Cope with Any Life Crisis

To navigate any challenging stage, remember: crises occur not because something is wrong with you, but as part of natural life cycles. Each time you enter a metaphorical cocoon, know that a new phase lies ahead, and you’ll emerge transformed, just as dawn follows night.

Here are some universal tips for dealing with life crises:

  • Accept the situation. A crisis cannot be skipped or canceled. You can only move through it step by step, like descending into a valley before climbing the steep slope to the other side.
  • Reevaluate your priorities and goals. If your old ways no longer work, find a new path. Crises reveal hidden contradictions that have built up over years. Let go of goals, plans, and people that no longer serve you.
  • Stay connected. Reach out to friends or acquaintances who might be going through something similar. Mutual support can make the journey easier.
  • Stay physically active. Regular exercise improves mood and keeps you physically ready for life after the crisis. Good health is the foundation of all happiness.
  • Seek professional help if needed. A psychologist can help you view your challenges objectively and discover a new, unique path for yourself.

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