How can you support your partner who is going through a midlife crisis?

At some point during their lives, everyone goes through crisis. For most people, that period can take the form of a midlife crisis. This is a period of sudden change, marked by intense existential reflection and a sense of passion or lack thereof for life.

It can be difficult to support someone close to you through this kind of situation, especially when one isn't sure of how to even go about addressing the situation at hand. Nonetheless, it's important to remember that they are going through a struggling period and need your understanding and compassion more than anything else.

The first step to helping your partner navigate their turbulent emotions and feelings should be listening. This means not only hearing their words but also attempting to understand their feelings and motivations behind them. It may feel like it's been said a thousand times, but communication is key in any relationship; listening intently to your partner will allow them to further express themselves in an open and comfortable manner. Providing your partner with a space to vent their worries or fears can work wonders in providing an outlet for emotional relief.

It may also be beneficial to engage your partner in positive activities. This can range from hobbies that one already enjoys to trying out new experiences. Reconnecting with old passions or attempting something new has the potential to provide a sense of much-needed fulfillment or distraction from the seemingly hostile circumstances. For some people, this might even involve taking on a new job or career path — no matter how scary such a radical transition might seem.

If needed, therapy is always a good option to help your partner come to terms with their feelings and seek ways to cope in a healthy manner. Talking with a professional can often provide a space for civil discourse and an external eye to better handle the challenge at hand. Trained professionals have the qualifications and opportunity to provide much-needed coping mechanisms to deal with everything a midlife crisis brings. While friends and family do have their place in the healing process, an unbiased and ready source of mental health care can be invaluable in getting through the tumultuous period of time.

It's important to avoid judgment when offering support to someone in a midlife crisis and instead focus on being compassionate and understanding. After all, it's not necessarily easy for them to accept the situation that they are in and although progress may progress slowly — if at all — patience and empathy can give them the motivation and support needed to push through.