Most recent studies agree that a significant proportion of adults aged between 45 and 65 experience psychological problems as they handle life crises associated with middle adulthood. In the present case, I will assume the role of a counselor and provide psychological support and advice to a patient in his middle adulthood who insists on experiencing mental complications and is unhappy and unsatisfied with his life accomplishments. Using the information provided by the patient, it will be straightforward to identify the main problem and propose an ideal solution.
Potential Problem
Evaluating the information provided by Henok indicates that the patient is likely going through a mid-life crisis, and the condition is adversely affecting his mental health. Most people develop health complications as they age, and in many cases, aging is associated with a decline in the functioning of body organs. For instance, Aman et al. (2021) show that with age, people are likely to experience physical health challenges such as digestive issues, heart diseases, and sight and hearing problems, among others. In the case of Henok, I think the main problem is mental health due to chronic stress resulting from worries and denial as the patient goes through the mid-life crisis experience.
During mid-life crises, most people in middle adulthood are likely to develop stress as they realize the gap between their dreams of an ideal life and their current lifestyles. As Lally, M., & Valentine-French (2019) highlight, a mid-life crisis defines a time when people in middle adulthood reevaluate past commitments, make necessary dramatic changes, give an expression to aspirations and talents previously ignored, and develop a sense of urgency concerning life and its significance. The decision of Henock to live a youthful lifestyle by engaging in activities such as skydiving and motorcycling indicates a midlife crisis since the victim is trying to reassert his masculinity as he races against time. Also, the unexplained change of behavior resulting in Henock’s anxious and uneasy feelings despite his love for his wife and sons suggests that the patient is worried that he lacks the capacity and opportunity to live his desired lifestyle of choice and that the remaining time is not enough to make necessary adjustments. The lack of sleep and chest pains experienced by Henock result from too much stress that affects the functioning of the lungs, brain, and digestive system, among other organs.
Overcoming the Problem
Setting new goals is a suitable solution to help Henock solve the problems he is experiencing during his mid-life crisis. I think Henock is chasing unrealistic dreams and, after realizing they will never be accurate, makes him stressed and has a sense of invalidism. For example, the decision to buy a beach house without engaging his wife and the desire to date young women shows that Henock is trying to achieve what he failed during his youth. In that life, instead of sticking to previous goals, Henock should readjust his life ambitions and start appreciating and enjoying his age. For instance, I advise Henock to commit to guiding his sons to a life-satisfying career and help them make good decisions.
Performing a life audit is another recommendable solution that Henock can apply to solve the mental problems caused by stress and worries of failing in life. The patient should perceive and judge his life positively by focusing on past and current achievements. For example, instead of Henock falling into the temptation of dating younger women, he can reflect on the good moments and the success his wife has brought into his life, and as a result, he will highly value her.
Referrals
I refer Henock to mental health providers to attend full therapy sessions, mainly featuring family counseling and mid-life crisis problems. From the complaints recorded by Henock, much of his stress results from his negative attitude toward his impact and significance to the family’s well-being and happiness. Therefore, family counseling will help the patient identify his vital role in his family and thus develop a positive attitude and feelings toward life. In addition to family therapy, I advise Henock to gain membership to social networks that focus on topics revolving around mid-life crises. For example, joining a social network for couples in the prime of middle adulthood can provide Henock with a platform to talk to victims of similar issues and collectively identify a working solution.
Encouragement
My main encouragement for Henock is that the psychological problems he is currently going through are temporal, and it is possible to regain the momentum of life. Like most people during middle adulthood, Henock is undergoing a period of transition that requires an evaluation of achievements compared to expectations. From medical records of previous patients with mid-life crises, I have observed a pattern of successful recovery from mental issues after patients accept their new identities, personalities, and life goals. Also, I encourage Henock to change his negative mentality of himself and life since that will only harm the existing problems. As Eriksen (2021) explained, mid-life crisis victims should create a supportive environment to help reduce instances of triggering negative thoughts. Generally, Henock should remain positive and commit to getting help; eventually, he will have his life and mental health back.
References
Aman, Y., Schmauck-Medina, T., Hansen, M., Morimoto, R. I., Simon, A. K., Bjedov, I., … & Fang, E. F. (2021). Autophagy in healthy aging and disease. Nature aging, 1(8), 634-650.
Eriksen, C. B. (2021). Men in/and crisis: The cultural narrative of men’s midlife crises. Journal of Aging Studies, 57, 100926.
Lally, M., & Valentine-French, S. (2019). Lifespan Development: A Psychological Perspective Second Edition.
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