Wednesday 30 January 2008

Just a common or garden crisis

When I had my major meltdown, I thought it was a product of the way my life had gone, the place I found myself, the frustrated ambitions and pent-up resentments I had harboured for years. I thought it was a totally and utterly unique mid-life, individual and peculiar to me.

Now, I hear on Radio London that scientists have decided that the most typical time for a mid-life crisis -the ultimate nadir in one's life-course - comes at the age of 44. And how old was I when I finally expressed my angst-ridden rage? How old was I when I reached the very lowest point of my adult life?

44.

My very personal descent was after all just a scientifically predictable statistic. Somehow I find that rather disappointing.

15 comments:

Manic Mother Of Five said...

Interesting one this - they were talking about it on BBC Breakfast too........ I am 42, 43 later this year and am very glad I had a daughter when I was very nearly 40 as hopefully I will be too busy with her to go into mid-life meltdown.... My oldest is now very independent so I can see how lonely it must be when all your chicks have flown - hopefully I won't have to worry about that for a few years

Katherine and Pippa said...

Methinks things just start to happen when you get past 40.

But you don't need to be a scientist to work it out.

It's fairly obvious.

That's not to take away from any of us - but it's how life is.

Suzy said...

Don't want to alarm you kiddo, but at my age (almost fu&*^ing 60) there will be several "midlife" crisis. And thank God for them!

It brings about change and experiences you will be so happy you've had. (most of them anyway).

Love,
Suzy

Maddy said...

Oh dear! I'm 47 now, so I think I've missed my opportunity completely......probably just as well.
Cheers [newbie visiting from She's like the wind]

"Whittterer On Autism."

Anonymous said...

I heard this too. I've got a few years to go yet!!

Crystal xx

belle said...

oh lordy lordy, does this mean the worst is yet to come? Surely not! Nah, I'm going with being precocious ;o)

She's like the wind said...

I don't think I'll make it to 44, the stress might get me first. x

Flowerpot said...

I think I had a major meltdown for every year of my forties. As I'm 50 at the end of this month I'm wondering what's ahead!

Omega Mum said...

Oh, ignore it all. I fully intend to carry on feeling that my life was, is and will be a total waste for as long as I damn well want. Nobody tells me when to be depressed. Pass the Prozac, lovey.

internatlgirl said...

I am 42 and I'm really enjoying your blog.

It seems like we have a lot in common. I have an 8 y.o. daughter and have been married for 17 years. I was fortunate to be able to pursue a career in international banking for 10 years, but followed my husband to a small town about 5 years ago and it has been a real challenge for me.

I think I fell into a midlife crisis about a year ago and am just starting to understand what is going on. I am hoping that I can climb out of this stage of my life.

I agree with you that Christmas is way too commercial.

I look forward to reading your blog.

Lee

Carrie Wilson Link said...

Found you through Suzy, Identity Crisis. I'm 44, 45 next week. You're. Singing. My. Song.

Mid-lifer said...

Grr, wrote a nice long comment replying to each and every one of yours and then the connection needed to be reset it took me so long. Not falling for that again!

Great comments everyone.

Mxx

Maggie May said...

My forties were very happy years but now I'm sixty five I am enjoying myself too! Wouldn't want to go back! Maybe we stay the same inside.

Maddy said...

Nip on over and collect your award dearie.


"Whittterer On Autism."

belle said...

swing by mine and collect your award :o)