It’s very real and it sucks.

57 here and yes. I feel like a ton of my older-generation friends and relatives are suddenly going into steep decline, as if, having survived the pandemic, they were finally caught by age or other diseases. More people in my life have died in the last three months than in the previous three years, and several more are being slowly lost to dementia.

In the last few weeks I've booked some travel, started taking an art class, rejoined a book group meeting in person, and restarted PT to tamp down the joint pain preventing me from doing other activities. It's all helping. I realize I'd gotten in the habit of isolation over the last 2 ½ years and it had begun to seem like the permanent normal.

Anonymous wrote:I'm 58 and feeling great! Intense daily exercise is the key.

Agree, although I only work out hard three days a week. I would add prayer or spirituality for those inclined, and thinking about long term goals that involve helping others. Much more satisfying than just trying to earn and save money.

Anonymous wrote:Well this is a depressing thread. Those with malaise, perhaps you have too many first world problems? (Not directed at the woman with a special needs child though.)

Take hope posters! There is light on the other side. I'm 57, my kids are grown (college and grad school, so young adults, but out of the house) and my surviving parent died this past spring. My husband is older and retired last year. My life now without childcare or elder care, and with a husband who's not stressed from work, is markedly better than it was in 2019. You'll get there!

Anonymous wrote:I'm 52, and hate my job. It's making me depressed. I want to quit so badly but I have colleges to pay for. If I was younger, I'd go find a new job, but ageism is real. I don't think anyone would want to hire me at my pay.

Have hope! I got a job at 52 that was better for me in every way, including financially. You can do it. Work that network.

Well this is a depressing thread. Those with malaise, perhaps you have too many first world problems? (Not directed at the woman with a special needs child though.)

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My midlife crisis is that I wish there was more to the path I see in front of me. I want a little glamour, I'm not going to lie. I think it has to do with parenting a child with special needs, always being there for him, and having to give up a career and a job. I feel a little trapped.

+1 are you me?

+2 Can I join your club?

Anonymous wrote:My midlife crisis is that I wish there was more to the path I see in front of me. I want a little glamour, I'm not going to lie. I think it has to do with parenting a child with special needs, always being there for him, and having to give up a career and a job. I feel a little trapped.

+1 are you me?

My midlife crisis is that I wish there was more to the path I see in front of me. I want a little glamour, I'm not going to lie. I think it has to do with parenting a child with special needs, always being there for him, and having to give up a career and a job. I feel a little trapped.

I'm 58 and feeling great! Intense daily exercise is the key.

I'm 52, and hate my job. It's making me depressed. I want to quit so badly but I have colleges to pay for. If I was younger, I'd go find a new job, but ageism is real. I don't think anyone would want to hire me at my pay.

I think this is just a mid-life crisis without the drama.

I'm mid-fifties and dealing with raising a teen and a tween, trying to help out an elderly parent, trying to keep up with work (and the return to the office) and dealing with my own increasing health issues (orthopedic issues, cholesterol issues).

It's definitely all wearing me down. I'm completely exhausted at the end of every week, and there is no end in sight to all this.

I'm 55 and I feel like I have malaise. The past 2 1/2 years of pandemic (restrictions, response, working from home, etc.) I think has contributed to where I am a lot.

I saw it mentioned in another thread. Is this a thing? Are others here experiencing it?

I'm wondering if I am. Not full-on depression, but perhaps low grade. . . lack of motivation, somewhat self disgust at my body, but not enough motivation to do anything it.

I do have a prescription for 20mg fluoxetine to take during my luteal phase. I suppose I could take it all month. . .