The Ramadan series Kan Ya Makan sparked conversations about an overlooked topic: the midlife crisis. Often experienced between the ages of 45 and 65, this period of identity transition can make you question everything, from life choices to relationships. The show gives us a closer look at the realities of the struggle through the character of Dalia, portrayed by Youssra El Lozy. Here are the key signs the series brought to light.
Reassessing Relationships
One of the most common signs of a midlife crisis, and the first to surface in the series, is reassessing romantic relationships. We are introduced to Dalia as she asks Moustafa for a divorce, a shock that comes after around 15 years of marriage. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Dalia isn’t searching for love again; she’s on a journey to rediscover herself.
Rethinking Career Choices
A midlife crisis often brings an ambition to break from the norm and sometimes to revisit old passions or careers. Dalia married Moustafa soon after graduation, leaving little opportunity to pursue a career in her college major: jewelry making. When she tries to enter the workforce, she’s considered too old and inexperienced. Determined to find herself, she returns to her old hobby, crafting jewelry, and begins reclaiming a part of herself she had long put aside.
Mental Health Decline
While anxiety and depression are issues on their own, they often accompany a midlife crisis. In the series, Dalia follows up with a therapist, and we learn she’s on medication. Throughout the story, signs of depression and mental health struggles are evident: she is often distant, numb, and unresponsive, revealing the emotional weight she carries.
Parenthood Trouble
A midlife crisis can cause conflict with children as they cannot cope with theparent’s sudden shift in Behavior and might deem it as selfish. Throughout the series, we can see Dalia and her daughter, Farah, drift apart as Farah clearly prefers spending time with her father. We also see a change in Farah’s behavior and academic performance due to the divorce and her mother’s sudden decisions.
Impulsive & Uncharacteristic decisions
During a midlife crisis, it’s common for a person to act impulsively or take risks as a way to try new things. Dalia wakes up and boards a train to another city just to sit by the beach, an unexpected decision that leaves Farah and Moustafa worried. Throughout the series, her sudden and rash actions, from pursuing a divorce to exploring a new career path, all reflect her attempts to transform her life and reclaim control.
A midlife crisis can suddenly take over a person’s life as they age, bringing a wave of actions that feel out of character and inexplicable. Through Kan Ya Makan, this often-underrepresented issue is explored in a light and engaging story that helps raise awareness.
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