What Is An Existential Crisis And How Can It Be Resolved?
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Many people experience moments when they question their purpose, wonder whether they’re on the right path, or otherwise examine their lives for meaning, grappling with existential questions. If you’re asking similar questions right now or feeling unfulfilled by your life choices, you may wonder whether you’re experiencing an existential crisis. Certain life events or existential concerns can trigger this state. An existential crisis can be concerning, but it can also be a good time to reevaluate parts of one’s life you might like to change, fostering personal growth.
Below we’re going to discuss existential crises, their origins, common characteristics, and how to manage the emotions they can produce.
What is an existential crisis?
Psychologists define an existential crisis as a turning point during which we deeply question our meaning and purpose in life, often triggered by life events or existential anxiety.
Age
As a teen or young adult, many people question their existence and whether they can impact the world. This can cause an early teenage crisis or later a sophomore crisis, which the Behavioral Development Bulletin explains is identified as a struggle between trying to find a sense of self and having to choose between what society expects from them and their own interests. This can often lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, or confusion about the future. As people get older, they may experience a later life crisis or a midlife existential crisis related to their mortality or issues regarding how much they’ve accomplished at this stage of their life.
Death
The death of a loved one can also lead to an existential crisis. At the root of the word existential is existence. When existence ceases suddenly, or without a reason, we may wonder why.
Life changes
Many people reevaluate their lives when they undergo a major change. Life changes could include losing a job, moving to a new city, breaking up with a partner, etc. When you alter the path you’re walking down, you can start to feel unsettled and unsure about the next steps.
Change in beliefs
Many belief systems, including religious beliefs, provide individuals with a unified purpose that—along with a set of values and rules—can provide order and meaning in life. If you’re questioning your beliefs, you may feel like you’re losing those built-in supports, not to mention the inner conflict you could feel regarding your views. You may start to question how life can be taken away so quickly or what your life means without that person in it. This can, in turn, make you question your own existence and lead to an existential crisis characterized by negative emotions and negative thoughts.
The meaning of life
In some severe cases, rumination about the meaning of life and one’s existence can lead to a compulsive disorder. Existential obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may lead individuals to spend hours going over the same unanswerable questions again and again, which can begin to negatively impact day-to-day life.
You might also be at a point in your life where you feel unfulfilled or stagnant, as though something needs to change, or you could be experiencing mental health challenges. Before we get into other causes, though, we’re going to discuss some common signs of an existential crisis.
Anxiety and other signs of an existential crisis
While there are no specific criteria for identifying an existential crisis, there are several common indicators that someone is struggling with meaning. It’s also important to remember that the symptoms of some mental health conditions can mimic the signs of an existential crisis.
Depression
Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness may signal that you’re unsure of your place in the world. A lack of energy, irritability, and a loss of interest in things you used to care about may also be present.
Anxiety
Often, existential despair and uncertainty about the future can lead to worry, nervousness, and other feelings related to anxiety.
Isolation
An existential crisis may lead to questions about relationships that cause you to distance yourself from loved ones or avoid social situations.
Lack of direction
Struggling to understand the right path to take in order to live a meaningful life may create frustration and make you wonder what your purpose is.
What triggers an existential crisis?
While an existential crisis is often the result of a change in a person’s life, it can also come from feeling as though things aren’t changing enough. Below are some common triggers for an existential crisis.
Feeling stuck
The existential theory believes that humans have the freedom to choose their meaning and existence. However, in modern society, many of us go through times in life when we don’t seem to be moving forward, whether that means trying new things, progressing in our careers, or developing healthy relationships. This can create tension if it causes us to wonder whether our present situation is all there is to life, leading to a sense of a meaningless life.
Addressing an existential crisis and its effects on mental health
When you have existential depression or anxiety, it can be challenging. Questioning what matters in the world can be a good thing, but it can also affect your mental health, leading to negative consequences or even suicidal thoughts. The following are several ways to work through an existential crisis.
Embrace uncertainty
First, accept that life can be tenuous and that some things are out of your control. Embracing uncertainty can be difficult, but it may help you question things less when you feel stressed.
Create your own meaning
It can be hard to find the meaning of life by looking for answers. Try creating your own set of beliefs and values to live by. Having a philosophy to follow based on your values can help provide you with direction. After all, creating your own meaning and purpose is the basis for existentialism.
Follow your bliss
In uncertain times, it can help to do what makes you happy. Find meaning in the things that bring you joy in life and try to eliminate negative influences. This can help you nurture your passions and give you purpose in your own life.
Seek professional help to overcome existential crises
If your existential crisis is causing significant distress or leading to other mental health challenges, consider seeking therapy. A therapist can help you explore your thoughts and feelings, resolve existential crises, and address potential substance use related to coping with your struggles.
Take inventory of your positive qualities
List your most endearing assets and decide on how best you can apply these positive attributes towards a more fulfilling life. This can help you experience the importance of your purpose through the impact it has on others while also helping you shift your mindset in a positive direction.
Practice mindfulness
Slowing down and paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings can help you become more attuned to your needs. Mindfulness involves fostering a sense of presence, which may be missing if you’re worried about the future or life changes that happened in the past. To practice mindfulness, sit or lie quietly in a comfortable position while breathing deeply. Draw your attention to what you’re feeling and thinking, as well as what you’re experiencing in your environment. Allow thoughts to enter and leave your head without judging them. By staying present, you may be able to focus more on what you have in life and less on what’s missing.
Finding fulfillment with therapy
Research shows that online therapy can help address mental health conditions that may be associated with an existential crisis, such as depression. In a study on the efficacy of online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in a clinical setting, researchers tracked the symptoms of over 1,200 patients and found that treatment led to significant effects. Behavioral therapy helps individuals reframe negative thought patterns, like those that can cause people to question their purpose in life or their place in the world.
Online therapy for overcoming existential anxiety
If you’d like help processing complex emotions related to depression, an existential crisis, or another mental health challenge, consider utilizing an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. Besides CBT, existential therapy and a wide range of methods can also be used to address your existential crisis. If you’re struggling to leave home or aren’t ready to talk to a therapist face to face, you can participate in therapy remotely, through video call, voice call, or in-app messaging. BetterHelp is an affordable option, with subscriptions starting at $65 to $100 per week (based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply). With the right support, you can work through times in your life when you’re unsure what to do next.
Takeaway
Existential crises can come during pivotal times in our lives or when we feel stuck or unfulfilled. If you’re questioning your purpose or searching for meaning in life, consider reaching out to an experienced mental health professional. A licensed therapist can guide you as you navigate obstacles and move forward in life.
Does existential anxiety and worrying about the meaning of life go away?
Existential anxiety is rooted in angst, worry, or uncertainty about life’s meaning and the inevitability of death. The primary areas of obsessive thoughts in existential anxiety include meaninglessness, isolation, freedom, and death.
When people experience existential anxiety, they often worry that they’ll feel this way forever. While it may not go away on its own, there are self-help skills you can use to manage your symptoms, such as exercising routinely, prioritizing sleep, and strengthening your connection with your community. If you are experiencing existential anxiety that affects your day-to-day life, it may be time to reach out to a mental health professional or medical practitioner for advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While this might not completely resolve your anxiety, having your symptoms medically reviewed can rule out other conditions and provide you with a path towards symptom relief.
Note: While existential anxiety is not a diagnosis in the DSM-5, you might meet the criteria of a recognized anxiety or depressive disorder.
What is the root cause of existential crises?
Existential crises can be caused by many different things, including the following:
- Big life changes, like getting married, having kids, or retiring
- Grief, such as divorce or the death of a loved one
- Serious or chronic health conditions, such as cancer or multiple sclerosis
- Job loss or financial hardship
- New signs of aging, such as wrinkles, gray hairs, or adult children leaving home
- Traumatic life experiences
Anything that disrupts a person’s understanding of the world or their place in it might cause an existential crisis. Typically, the trigger of a crisis is rooted in significant events.
Is existentialism a mental health condition?
Existentialism is the philosophy that people have free will and self-determination for their lives. It emphasizes an individual’s responsibility and ability to create meaning in their life outside of external powers, morals, or societal values.
If you experience an existential crisis, you’re likely navigating personal conflict and a sense that life lacks meaning or you’re struggling with your personal identity. Existential crises arise from the theory of existentialism because they emphasize the purpose of life from a personal perspective.
When people experience an existential crisis, they often also experience dread, purposelessness, hopelessness, or other symptoms of anxiety and depression. Therefore, while existentialism is not a mental illness itself, it can increase the likelihood of some disorders.
What is an existential crisis and how long does it last?
The length of an existential crisis varies from person to person. While some people may experience a few days of dread or confusion about death or their place in the world, other people may experience existential crises that last for weeks, months, or several years.
According to one survey:
- 15.9% of respondents said their crisis lasted less than three months
- 19.4% said it lasted between three and six months
- 20% said it lasted six months to two years
- 8.8% said it lasted more than two years
- 34.7% were still experiencing a crisis when surveyed
If you’re looking for advice, diagnosis, or treatment options, it’s likely a good idea to reach out to a mental health provider or medical practitioner. While they won’t necessarily be able to answer your questions about the length of your crisis, they can provide you with practical tools to manage your symptoms.
Is it normal to constantly question reality?
Derealization is a term that describes a perception that the world around you is not reflective of reality. It may seem distorted or distant, and you may feel as though you’re viewing life from outside your own body or like you’re living in a dream.
If your symptoms don’t go away, you may be experiencing a depersonalization-derealization disorder, which is common amongst survivors of trauma. While this condition can be very unsettling or disturbing, they can often be addressed effectively with talk therapy and/or medication.
Is existentialism a form of atheism?
Existentialism and atheism have a complicated relationship. Overall, while most people who believe in existentialism are atheists, not all atheists are existentialists. Then again, the origin of existential philosophy is rooted in Christianity, and some types of existentialism co-exist with religious beliefs.
Why am I stuck in an existential crisis?
Existential crises can resolve themselves in a matter of days, but they can last for years for some people. If your symptoms are not resolving on their own, it’s probably time to reach out to a licensed therapist or doctor. With talk therapy, self-help strategies, and potentially medication, many people can effectively manage symptoms, and some people experience total resolution of their crisis.
Who is more prone to existential crisis?
Anyone can experience an existential crisis, but people more prone to them may include those with mental disorders—such as depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or obsessive-compulsive disorders—and those who’ve experienced triggers like trauma or major life changes.
Why do smart people have existential crisis?
There is a correlation between high intelligence and higher rates of existential angst, depression, and anxiety. This might be because people might push themselves into demanding and taxing careers, reducing sleep, and potentially experiencing greater loneliness.
Why are existential crises so scary?
An existential crisis can lead to painful, uncomfortable, or disturbing thoughts about one’s purpose and the inevitability of death. This may lead to feelings of pointlessness, purposelessness, hopelessness, or that life has no meaning. When your world view and sense of identity is rocked, it’s understandable that this crisis would be frightening.
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