By definition, an existential crisis is a collection of thoughts and questions we have about the meaning and purpose of our lives. We may feel stuck since it’s difficult to find the answers to these issues. We are uncertain about how to react or proceed, and if these sentiments continue or get worse, it may potentially negatively affect our lives.
Though existential crises are frequently linked to detrimental effects on a person’s life, we sometimes overlook their potential benefits. We have the chance to reconnect with our values, sense of meaning and purpose in life, and aspirations when faced with an existential crisis. This can assist us in assessing, arranging, and modifying our course of action and destination in order to live the life we desire and will be content with.
Are existential crisis common?
Contrary to popular belief, existential crises can affect anyone of any age or gender. In fact, they occur more frequently than you might imagine. An existential crisis can happen to anyone at any time.
Why, then, are they so widespread? They generally occur when we, as human beings, encounter situations, adjustments, or shifts in our lives that prove challenging for us to adjust to or that make us question if this is the course we wish to take for our lives. Whether these changes are anticipated or not, they can make us feel limited and make us wonder where our life is headed.
How to spot an existential crisis in motion
People frequently feel disoriented, uncomfortable, and as though they have lost touch with their ideals and life’s purpose when they go through an existential crisis.
If you’re feeling this way, you could be wondering if you’re going through a crisis or depression.
These five indicators could indicate that you’re having an existential crisis:
1. Always worrying
It’s possible that you are having existential thoughts and depression that you find difficult to ignore in the course of your daily existence. It could seem like your mind keeps asking the same questions and thinking the same things whenever you are not preoccupied with something.
2. Lack of motivation
Our “why,” or the reason behind our actions, is the foundation of our motivation. We could have a lack of motivation if we are wondering “why” and feel as though we don’t know the answer just now. It’s challenging to discern the purpose of doing anything when experiencing an existential crisis because of the alienation and sense of meaninglessness that accompany it.
3. Anxiety and depression symptoms
These unfavorable feelings result from this ongoing concern. Our bodies react to the emotions we experience, which are influenced by our ideas. We therefore experience anxiety and sadness as a result of these recurring thoughts.
Because of this, existential crises, if allowed to spiral out of control, can seriously harm our mental health.
4. Less desire to socialise
This can also be brought on by a lack of drive and enthusiasm, and it can seriously harm our mental well-being. Our social connections are essential to feeling supported and connected, and when they are absent, we may experience feelings of isolation and disconnection. This exacerbates depressive and anxious symptoms.
5. Lower energy levels
Mood, sleep, and food are some of the factors that might sap our energy. We won’t feel like moving or doing as many things as we usually do when we’re in a bad mood. “An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion,” according to Newton’s first law of motion. This can help us understand our body by serving as a metaphor. It takes more effort to get up and accomplish things when we are not moving around much, which means we have less energy.
Our energy levels can be impacted by an imbalanced diet or an erratic sleep schedule.
Prioritize your food and sleep since they have a direct impact on your mental well-being.
What causes an existential crisis?
Everybody experiences existential crises for different reasons, based on their goals, values, circumstances, and way of life. A few scenarios that could lead to an existential crisis include the following:
1. Significant life changes
This could involve a wide range of events, such as having your first kid or relocating to another nation. What determines whether we suffer an existential crisis in response to a particular event? Not every significant change will cause one, and it also varies from person to person.
The significance of a life event in terms of our purpose and direction determines whether or not it sets off an existential crisis. We can begin to go through an existential crisis if the shift isn’t in line with our purpose or if it makes us question it.
2. Unexpected events
This is comparable to a significant life transition; an unexpected turn is one that comes as a surprise and is not anticipated. For instance, we may lose the job at which we felt we were progressing so much, or our goals for the future are postponed because of an unavoidable circumstance (the COVID-19 pandemic is one such scenario that comes to mind).
3. Feeling directionless or concerned our trajectory in life
This can occur in any situation when we take a moment to reflect on our lives and decide that we no longer want to travel in a particular path. For instance, we can come to the realization that, in order to be joyful once more, our career no longer serves our purpose and that we need to pursue something else.
4. Feeling a lack of control
We may experience a loss of control that makes us feel as though we are in the middle of a swift-moving river and are helpless to cling onto anything that would keep us afloat. Similar to this metaphor, feeling out of control can lead to feelings of not owning anything in our lives. We feel as though we have no choice but to follow the direction that the tide is leading us.
5. Bereavement
An existential crisis can result from losing a loved one, whether it be from a death in the family or a separation that leaves us emotionally devastated. This is particularly true if the individual in question served as a cornerstone of our existence.
What are the symptoms of an existential crisis?
1. Stress – Our incessant contemplation of the significance and intent of our existence frequently has an adverse impact on our psychological well-being.
2. Depression or anxiety – Usually, when we’re feeling lost, we think too much about the unfavorable ideas that cross our heads.
3. A lack of drive – We no longer feel like engaging in the activities we formerly found enjoyable.
4. A decline in social interaction – We begin to schedule fewer get-togethers with friends and family and devote less energy to fostering these ties, which are essential cornerstones of our support network.
5. Feeling a lack of control – We frequently feel disconnected from ourselves when we lose sight of our beliefs and purpose; it’s as if we’re in a dark room and don’t know where the light switch is.
6. Abuse of substances – To stop worrying or feeling differently, you might notice that you’re drinking in excess or using other drugs.
Types of existential crisis
1. What is the meaning of life? – One of life’s most common questions. When we experience an existential crisis, we start to doubt the purpose of our life. We begin to question our ultimate motivation for living the life we do and begin to wonder what it’s all for.
2. Challenging our principles and motivations – This kind of crisis typically arises when we are faced with a decision and are unsure about which way to go. We believe that since we might not be entirely satisfied with the ideals we had up until this point, we need to reexamine the principles upon which we build our lives.
3. A major life change – An existential crisis can strike at any time our lives are forced to shift and undergo a redirection. This may occur as a result of an unexpected shift or as a result of our need to adjust and ultimately rediscover who we are.
4. A Loss – Any loss results in grief, and existential crises can occasionally accompany mourning. When faced with a loss and a world without someone or something, we may begin to doubt previously unquestioned beliefs.
5. Staying loyal to who we are – There are moments in life when we feel as though the person we are acting with is not the person we want to be. This type of existential crisis can assist us in assessing the principles we are upholding and, if needed, rerouting our actions to those that will keep us loyal to the person we aspire to be.
7 ways to stop an existential crisis
1. Depend on your family – When we are experiencing an existential crisis, the support of our friends and family is essential. It can make us feel less alone and provide us with outside advice that might help us get over our loneliness.
2. Communicate your feelings – Don’t suppress your emotions or deny how you are feeling. It’s critical to pay attention to what this catastrophe is trying to tell you and why it’s happening. You might get a lot of advantages from it if you approach it as a friend rather than an enemy. To figure out what your existential questions and ideas are trying to tell you, try writing them down and then analyzing them.
3. Take delight in the little things – Every time we go through a crisis of any kind, it can seem like everything is going gray and we can’t enjoy the things we used to. You’ll be surprised at how much thankfulness can do in these situations. At the end of the day, try writing down the things you are thankful for and discover happiness in the little things.
4. Concentrate on what you can manage – In an existential crisis, it’s common to feel helpless. That’s why it can be quite reassuring to concentrate on the things you can manage. After you’ve given it some thought, evaluate it and take charge of what you can. Regarding the things outside of your control, let them go.
5. Maintain an gratitude diary – Take out a pen and paper and try to jot down as many things for which you are thankful. They may be large or little. You can express gratitude for a glass of pure water, your house, or your health. This will assist you in realigning yourself with your values and purpose, which is actually quite great, and in reconnecting with your life.
6. Engage in meditation and mindfulness – This is a fantastic method to establish a connection with your inner self and allow your thoughts to grow and be investigated. We can regain a sense of self-awareness and groundedness through mindfulness and meditation.
8. Get back in touch with your life’s purpose – Our anxiety that our lives are pointless lies at the core of our existential problems. This frequently stems from frustration. Reestablishing your connection to the impact you wish to have on the world could be a game-changer for your existential worries.
This is not how you have to feel
Being through an existential crisis may be a very lonely thing. It may also mark a sea change in a person’s life, though. Finding methods to reestablish connections is the antidote to emotions of alienation, annoyance, and meaninglessness.
Play with a pet to help anxiety and depression, get in touch with a therapist, or just spend time with loved ones. You underestimate how important your life is, and you’re not alone.
Everyone has existential worry at some point in their lives, and these feelings are common. Indeed, existential therapy is a specialty among counselors. Speaking with a professional about your worries could help you regain focus and rediscover your life’s purpose.
