Do people have Regrets After A Midlife Crisis? Yes, many.
Midlife crises are a re-evaluation of life choices. Sometimes they're triggered by major life stressors, such as the loss of a loved one, health scare, or career struggles, but not always. Left unchecked, they can lead to depression, broken relationships, and long-term regret.
Although a midlife crisis most often occurs during midlife, it can happen at any adult age. It's characterized by an overwhelming dissatisfaction with life and belief that drastic changes are the only solution.
During the middle life there's often a natural phase of reflection and reassessment of priorities. Unlike this very normal phase, however, a midlife crisis leads to impulsive, reckless decisions that damage relationships, careers, and personal well-being.
Common signs of a midlife crisis include:
While the trigger can vary (if there is one), a midlife crisis always grows out of discontent and unhappiness.
These feelings can arise at any point in life, but at middle life they can be amplified by the recognition that we may have more years behind us than in front.
The self-evaluation that brings on a midlife crisis, goes through a very strong negative lens for some people, which leaves them believing their life has been a series of mistakes, lost opportunities, and regrets. When these beliefs are combined with the idea that time is slipping away, it pushes some into crisis.
For example, Jose's midlife crisis experience was triggered by his father's death and wife's health issues, which led to his re-accessing his life and determining that he didn't have enough fun. Rather than seeking help or working through his thoughts and emotions constructively, he made drastic, life-altering decisions.
What sets a midlife crisis apart is the extreme response and sweeping changes aimed at improving life satisfaction, but often has the complete opposite effect – turning the person's life upside down and making them even more unhappy.
A midlife crisis isn’t just difficult, it's destructive.
Unfortunately, when a person is going through a midlife crisis they become very self-focused and make extremely shortsighted, impulsive decisions.
Some of the biggest risks include:
If your partner is in crisis, patience is key. You can’t force them out of it, but you can influence the, take care of yourself, and set healthy boundaries. Here’s what can help:
Maintain open communication
Let them know you're there for support without pushing them.
Avoid enabling destructive behaviors
Set boundaries to keep yourself from being used and to protect yourself emotionally.
Seek support for yourself
Whether it’s therapy, a support group, or trusted friends, you don’t have to navigate this alone.
Encourage professional help
If they become willing, therapy or coaching will help them sort through the confusion and find healthier coping strategies.
By focusing on your well-being and maintaining healthy communication, you can create an environment where healing is possible (at least for yourself).
For those going through one, the key is recognizing that happiness isn’t found in drastic changes – it’s built through self-awareness, healthy choices, and seeking help when needed. Steps to get out of a midlife crisis include:
Acknowledge your feelings
Understand that dissatisfaction is normal, but impulsive actions won’t fix it.
Identify what’s truly missing
Is it excitement, purpose, fulfillment, connection? Pinpointing this need helps with making the right changes.
Stop impulsive decisions
Major life choices made in crisis often lead to regret.
Seek professional guidance
A knowledgeable counselor can help untangle emotions and guide you toward healthy resolution.
Reconnect with your values and relationships
Instead of running from your current life, consider how to improve it in meaningful ways.
Breaking free from a midlife crisis requires slowing down and making intentional effort, but it’s entirely possible with the right approach.
Jose’s breaking point came when his 11-year-old daughter asked if he still loved their family. Hearing her pain caused him to realize he'd been chasing happiness in the wrong places.
So he sought counseling with Guy Stuff, learned how to find fulfillment in his life again and slowly mended his family relationships.
Stephanie’s patience was really tested, but she focused on protecting herself and their children and setting boundaries. When Jose finally acknowledged his midlife crisis, she agreed to counseling. It took time, but together they found a way forward.
Getting through a midlife crisis is really hard, but you’re not alone. We’ve helped thousands of people navigate the confusion and find clarity, develop a plan, and rebuild their relationships.
Would you like that too?
Start with our midlife crisis quiz – 'Is My Partner Having a Midlife Crisis?' – and get Guy Stuff's assessment and recommendation on what to do next. We also have one for your partner – 'Am I Having a Midlife Crisis?' – that you could ask them to take.
Do people have Regrets After A Midlife Crisis? Yes, many.
One of the hardest parts of a midlife crisis is being the partner of the man in one.
Think a man in your life it going through a mid-life crisis? Learn the signs here.
© 2025 Guy Stuff Counseling & Coaching, APC, All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Do Not Sell or Share My Information
Featured logos are trademarks of their respective owners.