"Mid-life" issues can arise anytime from late thirties into our 70s! In reality it isn't so much related to age as the life stage we reach where what used to make sense in our lives regarding meaning and purpose doesn't any more. At such times it is common to experience periods of depression, anxiety, boredom with life, or a combination, where life seems flavourless and colourless. We may become over-focused on seeking short term distractions to relieve our symptoms, but they can end up becoming the source of even more painful problems. 

Apart from a sense of losing meaning, purpose and interest in life, we often experience difficulties in relationships too. This can be in our intimate relationships with partners and family members as well as social and work relationships. Many people simply decide to throw in the towel and "opt out" of their jobs and relationships to try alternative lifestyles or adventures. The highest incidence of divorce is in our 50s. 

Although this can be a very difficult time - often described as the "dark night of the soul" or the "night sea journey" it is filled with potential for great joy and a deeper sense of meaning and purpose than you have previously experienced. In therapy some of the work may be to deal with the practical difficulties that distraction behaviours have created but most of the time will be spent in rediscovering a sense of who you really are and what your meaning and purpose truly is, bringing zest and savour back into your life.