The phrase "midlife crisis" often brings to mind red sports cars, impulsive career changes, and attempts to recapture youth. For decades, pop culture has portrayed this time as an inevitable turning point marked by regret. But what if midlife wasn’t about crisis at all — what if it was about opportunity?

We spoke with Megan Graves, a licensed clinical social worker manager at Texas Health Behavioral Health, to explore how today’s generation can redefine midlife as a time of reflection, growth, and renewed purpose.

What Is a Midlife Crisis, Really?

Psychoanalyst Elliot Jaques first coined the term “midlife crisis” in 1965 to describe a period of panic — usually in your 40s or 50s — when people feel stuck or unfulfilled. But according to Graves, that idea doesn’t hold up as well today. With increased access to other people’s stories and life paths through social media, many have come to see there’s no single way to live or age.

“Midlife can be an opportunity to either panic about where we are or to pause and reflect,” Graves adds. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting more or realizing that something isn’t working anymore. Midlife can actually be a powerful turning point.”

Graves says people often start to ask big-picture questions during this stage of life, such as:

• “Am I doing what I’m meant to do?”
• “What have I accomplished?”
• “Am I happy in my relationships?”
• “Are the goals I set when I was younger still serving me?”
• “What do I want the rest of my life to look like?”

While these questions can feel overwhelming, they often open the door to meaningful change.

What Can Trigger a Midlife Crisis?

The challenge with the “midlife crisis” is that midlife itself is hard to define. One study found younger adults view middle age as stretching from the early 30s to 50, while those over 60 believe it starts in the late 30s and lasts into the mid-50s. In fact, one US study found that one-third of people in their 70s still consider themselves middle-aged! That’s not too surprising when you consider that many of us report feeling younger than our age on paper — often by about a decade.

It may be that “midlife” is more a state of mind than a specific age. Research shows people report crises at nearly every life stage, though these experiences do become more common with age — 44% of people in their 20s reported a crisis, compared to 53% of those in their 40s. And when asked when their crisis occurred, older adults tended to place it later in life.

All of this suggests that there may not be a distinct “midlife crisis,” but rather periods of transition and self-reflection that can happen at any age.

While there may be a dispute over when exactly your midlife crisis should occur, Graves notes it often coincides with a mix of life events and emotional shifts.

It’s a time when your children may be growing up, needing you less, or even leaving home. At the same time, your parents or loved ones may require more care, or you may be grieving their loss. You might also find yourself part of the “sandwich generation,” juggling the responsibilities of caring for both aging parents and young children at the same time.

Chronic health conditions may start to emerge, personal losses can become more frequent, and work demands may be at their peak — all of which can make it feel like life is throwing its toughest challenges at you at once.

“There's so much changing and happening at that point in our lives that it really does make us pause and take a look deeper,” Graves says. “But that doesn’t mean something is wrong with you — it just means you’re growing and changing.”

Healthy Ways to Respond to Midlife Restlessness

While the timeline for a midlife crisis is fuzzy, many people experience some level of restlessness, regret, or reevaluation at some point in their lives. Graves encourages people to reframe these feelings as signs of growth:

• Reflect on your journey: Take stock of what you're proud of and what you've learned.
• Redefine success: What matters to you now may not be what mattered 20 years ago — and that’s okay.
• Keep learning: Pursue new interests or skills to reignite a sense of purpose.
• Practice self-compassion: Be gentle with yourself about past decisions and focus on what you can do now.
• Focus on your health: Your physical and mental well-being are closely connected. Make time for sleep, movement, and regular checkups. Taking care of your body supports your emotional resilience, too.
• Take small steps: You don’t need a complete life overhaul. Setting boundaries, revisiting a hobby, or taking a class can go a long way

“There’s a myth that you’re supposed to have everything figured out by midlife,” Graves says. “But you’re allowed to change, to try something new, to want more.”

Mental Health and the Midlife Transition

Midlife can also bring mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. These feelings may be tied to shifting roles, caregiving responsibilities, hormonal changes, or loss. Physical changes — such as menopause, chronic illness, or mobility issues — can also affect mental health, reinforcing the mind-body connection.

Graves notes that while past generations faced these transitions with less support, today’s growing awareness of mental health means more resources are available. Therapy, regular checkups, movement, time outdoors, and staying socially connected can all support your well-being.

“As your body and circumstances evolve, it’s important to adjust expectations,” Graves adds. “Focus on what your body has carried you through — and set goals that fit where you are now.

“These symptoms are more common than people think,” she continues. “The good news is, help is available — and it works.”

Redefining the Narrative

Ultimately, Graves emphasizes that the "midlife crisis" doesn't have to be a crisis at all. Instead, it can be a midlife check-in; a chance to realign your life with your current values and passions. And you don’t have to wait until midlife to do it either. Regularly reassessing your goals and well-being at any age can help prevent the sense of overwhelm that sometimes hits in midlife.

"If we only use what we deem the halfway point to evaluate things, we really are doing ourselves a disservice,”  Graves says. “There are so many transitional moments in our lives; why not check in more often?"

Midlife isn’t the end of something — it’s the beginning of a new chapter. And just like any transition, it can bring both challenges and opportunities. By embracing change, practicing self-compassion, and staying open to new experiences, you can turn the so-called "midlife crisis" into a midlife renaissance.

Need Support?

If you or someone you know is struggling with the transitions of midlife, Texas Health Behavioral Health may be able to help. A complimentary assessment is the first step in creating a personalized care plan. Schedule yours today or call 682-626-8719. Support, growth, and new beginnings are always possible at any age.