40–59 years
Midlife
Midlife can mean caring for children and ageing parents at the same time, alongside changes in health and body. Distress at this stage is real, and it is not simply a phase to push through.
Written for: Individuals and their adult children. All age pathways
What someone might experience
These are common, not certain. Many people go through some of them and are fine.
- Depression and anxiety
- Chronic stress and burnout
- Substance-use disorders
- The burden of caring for others
- Grief
- Sleep problems
- Distress related to chronic pain
- Relationship and family conflict
- Adjusting to changes in health
- Suicide risk
- Effects of neglect, abuse or exposure to violence
Signs you might notice
A card to keep or share. These are signs to notice and talk about, not a diagnosis. Midlife, 40–59 years.
- Low mood that lasts
- Losing motivation
- Misusing alcohol or medicines
- Anger and irritability
- Exhaustion
- Physical complaints with no clear cause
- Withdrawing from others
- Hopelessness
- Struggling to manage work or family life
If several of these are present, or they are getting worse, speak to a doctor, counsellor or one of the services below. If someone may be in danger, call 112.
What shapes this in India
Not everything is about the person. Their surroundings matter a great deal.
- Unstable employment or worries about retirement
- Financial responsibility for both children and ageing parents
- Costs of education and marriage
- Chronic illness
- The burden of caregiving
- Menopause and other midlife transitions
- Discrimination at work
- Debt and social isolation
What can help
- Mental health care offered through primary care
- Support for caregivers
- Stress management and counselling
- Assessment for substance use
- Care that understands menopause
- Referral for financial and social support
- Suicide-risk assessment when it is needed
Important to know
Physical symptoms and depression or anxiety often occur together. Treat both. Avoid assuming distress is simply a 'midlife crisis'.
SAATHI cannot diagnose. Faith, prayer and traditional healers are part of many families' lives, and can sit alongside care. If something is affecting daily life, please also see a doctor or counsellor.
If you're a parent, teacher or family member
- Ask your parent how they are sleeping and coping, and listen without dismissing what they say.
- Encourage a check-up that covers both physical and emotional health.
- Share caregiving for grandparents, so it does not all fall on one person.
- Talk openly about menopause so it is not something to endure in silence.
Who to ask near you
You do not have to work this out alone. These are real services in India. Availability varies by district, so a call or a visit is the best way to check.
- Your nearest PHC or CHC, or the district hospital. Ask for the doctor, and for the mental health clinic if there is one.
- The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), which runs mental health clinics at district level and sometimes in outreach camps.
- For violence at home or at work: the One Stop Centre (Sakhi) in your district, and Women Helpline 181. A Protection Officer under the Domestic Violence Act can help you apply for protection and a safe place.
- Tele-MANAS on 14416, free, if you cannot travel or need to talk first.
- Your ASHA or anganwadi worker, and women's groups such as the self-help group (SHG) in your area, for company and a first conversation.
Helplines, free in India
- 112Emergency Response Support System Police, fire and ambulance. Call if someone is in immediate danger.
- 14416Tele-MANAS Free national mental health support, 24 hours, in many Indian languages. Also 1-800-891-4416.
- 181Women Helpline Support and referral for women facing violence, 24 hours.
- 1098Childline For children in need of care and protection, or adults worried about a child.
- 14567Elderline National helpline for senior citizens.