Many Adults Struggle with Mental Health Problems in Midlife

An analysis of data concerning over 28,000 adults revealed that midlife was the period of time in which 1 in 5 experienced their highest levels of psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety. Study co-author Dr. George Ploubidis explains, “Midlife tends to involve a ‘peak’ in career, with middle-aged adults acquiring increasing responsibility as the decision-makers in society, which is accompanied by reduced leisure time, and elevated job-related stress. Middle age is also often associated with changes to family structure, which may be linked with mental health, such as empty nest syndrome and rising rates of divorce. As people approach their 50s, they are also more likely to be parents and simultaneously care for aging parents.” Psychological Medicine, January 2021