Health Q&A: midlife crisis - Telegraph I think my husband may be having some sort of mid-life crisis. He turned 40 this year (which he was very down about). He has started drinking wine every night, has stopped going to the gym, eats lots of sugar and talks about feeling depressed and listless. What can I do to help? The clinical psychologist Pieter Kruger Mid-life transitions (crises) usually happen to people aged 37 to 50, when the realisation that life is half gone can be overwhelming. Irrational behaviour is not uncommon: people start to battle with purpose in life, their sense of accomplishment, mortality, adequacy etc. Help him create awareness about what is happening. Alcohol and an unhealthy lifestyle will only exacerbate things. He needs to explore his fears and set goals to work towards in the next year. The nutritional therapist Eve Kalinik Sugar acts as an emotional crutch: it sends hormones such as serotonin and dopamine rocketing, making us feel happier. With this comes an insulin hit that then crashes, so we need another "fix." Have quality protein at each meal to keep energy levels even and include mood-boosting foods: banana, oily fish, flax and chia seeds, avocado, raw cacao. Limit caffeine, which suppresses serotonin levels. And try to get some sun, as low vitamin D is linked with low mood. The fitness expert Christina Howells Exercise is a powerful way to fight depression: it boosts feel-good chemicals and may be as effective as medication without unwanted side-effects. It can boost mood, self-esteem and body esteem. It can also be sociable, increasing motivation and the chance to make new friends. Choose activities you enjoy or perhaps find a good trainer to help get you motivated. Finally, exercise tends to promote an opportunity to get back on to a healthy eating plan.