A colloquial description of the feelings of anxiety and distress experienced by some individuals in early middle age. They feel that by 45 years of age they are no longer young and some (probably mostly men) try to turn the clock back by changing jobs, dressing trendily, taking up energetic or unusual sports or engaging in extramarital liaisons. Sometimes those in mid-life crises develop mild or even serious DEPRESSION. The feelings of anxiety and insecurity usually disappear with time but some people may benefit from counselling.