Conventional wisdom might have it that a man is most depressed in his teens, or as he enters old age. Try instead, middle age.

That's the verdict of a study that looked at data from two million people in 80 countries. It shows the mid-life crisis is real, both emotionally, and physically.

Whether it's dissatisfaction with your personal life, or your professional life, the new study authored by Andrew Oswald of the University of Warwick, and David Blanchflower of Dartmouth University concludes most men experience an age-related pattern of depression that can leave them feeling the mid-life blues.

For years, Jim Rottenborn supported his family with a successful career as an editor. But he had lost any passion for it. He hit the emotional low as he neared 40.

Rottenborn says, "It almost hit me, like a physical blow." He goes on to say, “It would never be something I could sink my teeth into, be excited about, there was no future for me with what I was doing.”

The depression and anxiety he felt went on for weeks. He began losing sleep, and weight. It started affecting his family, his wife and three daughters. He worried that if he didn't do something about it, it would cause irreparable harm.

Indeed, the scientists who conducted the study showed happiness levels follow a “U-shaped" curve. In the U.S., men are happier in their 20s, register more depression starting in their 40s, hitting a low around age 50, but then emerge from the ebb in their late 50s.

The study's results strike a chord with therapist Don Shive, who sees the dissatisfaction some male clients go through as they hit their 40s. And he says they're dealing with a more acute sense of mortality.

According to Shive, “What's tough for them is to identify what kind of help they need."

The depression and dissatisfaction Rottenborn had was erased with a drastic job change. These days, instead of spending his time in front of a computer, he's in front of students as a teacher at Falcon High School.

Rottenborn says it was a huge jump, to go to something absolutely different, but he thinks it’s a great fit.

And the experts say the ability to adapt, and to embrace change are the keys to navigating the rough waters of a mid-life crisis.

Related Information:
Pikes Peak Mental Health Crisis Line: (719) 635-7000
Don Shive, Licensed Professional Counselor, counselinghelps@comcast.net

For more information, click on the link below.