Midorexia instead of midlife crisis: Why men crank through in their best years

It's such a thing with age. Not every man looks like age - and sometimes you don't feel that way. Still in the middle age in the hoodie, the hair freshly colored and the latestAt the foot - everything normal or a little bit over it? Welcome to the world ofMidorexia, the phenomenon, in whichMen don't want to get older.While the classicWith sports cars and young women around the corner, this is more about wrinkle -free skin, tightnessAnd the conviction that you are now hotter than ever before. But where is thatBorder between cool self -confidence and embarrassing self -deception? To answer the question, you should know the phenomenon of Midorexia and where the difference to midlife crisis is.

Instead of panic before aging, Midorexia is about almost religious enlightenment: the firm conviction that you have reached your absolute maximum attractiveness right now and - taking into account all circumstances - just look fantastic for your age.

Midorexia, a relatively new term, describes a specific form of body awareness disorder, which occurs primarily in men, and that in medium age. The people concerned are overly obsessed with their physical appearance and tend to overestimate themselves in terms of their fitness, their appearance and youthful vitality. In contrast to other body awareness, such as anorexia or muscle dysmorphia (which mostly have to do with excessive muscle formation and body size), Midorexia is primarily about the fear that the physical appearance will "take off" or "old". It is like an identity crisis of the Midlife phase, in which men try to stop time and live in the physical condition of 20 years ago. The special thing about Midorexia is that it occurs primarily in the context of the men's world, which is still socially confronted with the image of the well -trained, vital, self -confident masculine ideal. And since age leaves its traces, many men struggle to keep their youth - physically and mentally.

The difference between a midlife crisis and midorexia in men lies primarily in the way how to deal with the aging process is experienced and processed. While a midlife crisis often represents a broader, psychological phase of life in which men are confronted with existential questions-for example with their own life balance, the achievement of goals or the feeling of no longer being young-Midorexia is a specific form of body awareness disorder, which focuses strongly on the external appearance.

In a midlife crisis, the questions are often deeper and concern not only the external appearance, but also the personal fulfillment, the professional situation and the. Men in this phase often reflect on their life decisions and may feel under pressure from the time to achieve something "big" again or to regain their youth. They tend to experience spontaneous changes in lifestyle, such as a sudden change in career or the desire to experience adventure moments in order to counteract the feeling of missing. Midorexia, on the other hand, is more focused on the external changes. Men who suffer from this disorder have a distorted perception of their age and experience an intensive oneBefore getting older, which relates particularly to the external appearance. It is less about life goals or inner fulfillment, but about the concern that the outer signs of age - like folds, hair loss or a declining body - make them appear less attractive or less efficient. These men often try to get these aging signs through extreme fitness programs,Or to hide or change cosmetic interventions. The pressure "staying young" affects their behavior and their relationships, especially if they expect their partners or children to reflect the young people lifestyle. So while a midlife crisis often represents a wider existential reorientation, Midorexia is specifically concerned with adhering to an external image of youth and vitality. Both phases can go hand in hand with uncertainties and fears, but while the midlife crisis takes place on a deeper emotional and psychological level, Midorexia is rather an excessive fixation on the outer signs of aging and avoiding it.

The symptoms of Midorexia are similar to those of other body -related disorders, but are often specifically tailored to the middle age. A man with midorexia could constantly compare himself to younger men and feel unsafe when he finds that his body no longer looks as fit or youthful as before. Some of the most common symptoms and behaviors are:

The problem with Midorexia is not only physical self -awareness, but also the negative effects on the life of the men concerned. They may not notice social invitations because they do not feel “in shape”, or they withdraw emotionally because they feel that they no longer have the “eye -catcher”. In the long run, these fears can lead to a highly restricted quality of life.

Yes, Midorexia should be treated, especially if it severely affects the life of the person concerned. As with any body awareness disorder, it is important to use the underlying emotional andTo address problems that lead to this distorted view. Treatment could start on several levels:

Overall, the treatment of Midorexia depends heavily on the severity of the symptoms and the individual life situation. But the good news is: With the right support and a targeted approach, you can learn to reconcile with your own aging process and continue to enjoy life to the fullest.