Midlife Crisis Seminar

Given by Dr. Paul Robinson

November 18, 2006

Introduction

A crisis took place in John 6:10. Ideally in life, we develop goals and expectations and that life would have a sense of fulfillment. There are many issues arising out of life where we have to learn to adapt and cope with stress. These issues could occur abruptly or they come on gradually until they become big problems.

• Condition
  • Crisis is a time of acute danger, difficulty or adversity. Midlife crisis commonly occurs between the age of 40-60. It is a psychological term not a medical one. Sometimes this crisis is more recognized by others than by ourselves.

• Cause
  • Change of environment and circumstances
    1. This could be financial changes.
    2. It includes the empty nest syndrome.
  • Physical changes
    1. The process of aging sets in and we realize that life is passing.
  • Biochemical changes
    1. For women, the reduction of the estrogen hormone signals the onset of menopause.
    2. For men, physiological changes start in the fortys.
    3. Illnesses also occur and we don’t like it because it reminds us of our frailty. It becomes a threat to our self-sufficiency and sometimes diminishes our self-worth.

• Characteristics
  • The following signs, symptoms, and responses characterize a midlife crisis situation. These are insomnia, depression, withdrawal, blaming others, bizarre behavior, change of decorum, marital breakdown and a loss of sense of direction.

• Course
  • The question is, will the crisis pass?
  • Through acceptance of the situation, we realize that the crisis has a spontaneous ending and is not self-limiting.
  • With non-acceptance however, irreversible changes and past scars could result and may never go away.

• Cure
  • Physical adjustments such as implementation of a healthy lifestyle could help. This comes in the form of nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, social support and quality family time.
  • In extreme cases, temporary medical intervention could help.
  • Counselling with the participation of a psychologist is another option.

Conclusion

How can we develop our lives around these issues?

The answer to life’s problem is Jesus Christ. He is able to deliver us for Christ is a Friend who sticks to us closer than a brother. In John 6:10, Christ came to the disciples at a desperation point. Problems in life are opportunities for one to know Christ. He will either take us out of the storm or go through with us through the storm. This is a time for us to refocus on the Lord.

** This seminar was a joint effort of the Women of Hope and Married Couples Fellowship. **