Most people associate feelings of anxiousness with a younger generation that are still going through the pains of growing up. However, the reality is that anxiety levels actually tend to reach their peak during middle age according to recent research. New statistics have revealed that anxiety levels are highest between the ages of 40-60 years old.
A government study of well-being in the U.K. found that people are experiencing much higher satisfaction and happiness levels between the ages of 16-19 and 65-79. The lowest levels of satisfaction occurred in middle age when people tend to develop a mid-life crisis and deal with more anxiety. Many in the field of mental health have witnessed first hand that middle age patients may come to them more often for help with anxiety.
Middle age anxiety can be an issue for a number of different reasons such as more pressure and stress in demanding jobs, the difficulties of raising a family as well as common problems such as divorce, bereavement and money troubles in middle age. People in this age group often suffer from many instances of situational depression and anxiety because of their life experiences.
During middle age people often reach a point where they must care for a bigger family, provide help for elderly parents, experience the death of a parent or cope with marital problems. It is believed that happiness levels tend to increase after the age of 60 because most people retire at this age and their children are likely already grown. Older adults can enjoy more leisure time and deal with less of the stress that they are faced with during middle age.
People in middle age may not feel inclined to seek help because of time constraints or money issues but it is important for them to receive counseling to help minimize their anxiety.