Have you ever found yourself deeply questioning the purpose of your life, your choices and the meaning of existence? If so, you may be going through a existential crisis.
This phenomenon is more common than you might think and can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. An existential crisis can arise from internal questions and reflections on life and death, purpose, and personal values.
In this article, we’ll explore what an existential crisis is, its causes, symptoms, and how to overcome it. Read on to better understand this condition and discover practical ways to deal with it.
What is an existential crisis?
An existential crisis is a period of intense questioning about the purpose and meaning of life. People going through one often face deep doubts about their self-worth, their choices, and the future.
These crises can be triggered by a number of factors and can significantly affect emotional and psychological well-being.
They usually involve fundamental questions about one’s existence, such as “Who am I?”, “What is my purpose?”, “What is the meaning of life?” or “Am I on the path I really want to be on?”.
What can trigger an existential crisis?
Several factors can trigger an existential crisis, including:
Fear of responsibility
The fear of making important decisions and taking responsibility for the consequences can lead to an existential crisis.
The pressure to make the right choices and uncertainty about the future can generate great anxiety and questions about one’s own life path.
According to Viktor Frankl, renowned psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, the search for meaning is one of the main human motivations, and the inability to find that meaning can result in profound existential anguish.
Doubt about the future, life and personal values
As we have seen, existential questions are common and can lead to a state of uncertainty and deep reflection.
These doubts can be exacerbated by significant life changes, such as transitioning into adulthood, career changes, or even retirement.
Death and disease
Some illnesses, the death of loved ones or other episodes that make us think about the finitude of life can trigger an existential crisis and the reevaluation of our values and goals.
Ernest Becker, writer and scholar of scientific interdisciplinarity, in his book “The Denial of Death”, suggests that the fear of death is one of the main drivers behind our actions, and facing it directly can destabilize our sense of meaning and security.
Other impactful life events
Events that mark significant transitions and represent a rupture in our personal narrative force us to reevaluate who we are and what we want for the future, and can lead to reflections on identity and purpose.
Repression of emotions and feelings
It is important to allow yourself to feel and process emotions to avoid the build-up of stress.
Psychologist Brené Brown, in her studies on vulnerability, emphasizes that avoiding difficult emotions can lead to emotional numbness, depriving us of authentic and meaningful experiences.
How do I identify if I am in an existential crisis?
Existential crises can generate a wide variety of behaviors or thoughts about one’s life, what has been done up until now and what will be done from now on. There is no rule for this, but some phenomena that may appear during an existential crisis include, but are not limited to:
- Constant questioning about the purpose of life;
- Feeling of disconnection or emptiness;
- Difficulty making decisions;
- Sudden mood changes;
- Social isolation;
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities;
- Feelings of hopelessness or despair;
- Regret about past actions.
- Mental fatigue: feeling of constant tiredness and difficulty concentrating;
- Anxiety: excessive concern about the future and fear of the unknown;
- Dissatisfaction: persistent feeling of dissatisfaction with life.
Impact of the existential crisis on daily life
Impact on personal relationships
People experiencing an existential crisis may withdraw from friends and family, resulting in a cycle of isolation and loneliness.
All interpersonal relationships can suffer due to an inability to connect emotionally or due to conflicts arising from unmet expectations.
Impact on the work environment
The search for isolation can be a response to the existential crisis and its effects.
In the workplace, this can lead to reduced performance, lack of motivation and difficulties in meeting deadlines and objectives.
An existential crisis can result in procrastination, lack of concentration and conflicts with coworkers, impacting productivity and job satisfaction.
Can the existential crisis lead to other consequences?
An existential crisis can evolve into more serious disorders, such as depression and panic attacks.
The constant feeling of despair and questioning can be emotionally draining, making a person vulnerable to other mental health conditions, such as anxiety.
It’s important to recognize when an existential crisis goes beyond normal questioning and begins to seriously impact your life. Here are some important signs that indicate it may be time to seek professional help:
- Persistent feelings of emptiness or hopelessness: If you constantly feel empty, purposeless, or as if life has no meaning, and these feelings don’t ease over time, this could be a sign that requires attention.
- Severe anxiety or depression: An existential crisis can trigger or worsen mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Symptoms such as constant nervousness, insomnia, loss of appetite, or persistent feelings of sadness may indicate that the situation is beyond a passing question.
- Prolonged social isolation: If you feel increasingly isolated from friends and family, avoiding social interactions and activities that were once enjoyable, this may be a sign that your ability to connect with others is being impacted.
- Difficulty performing daily activities: When thoughts and worries about the meaning of life begin to interfere with your ability to perform everyday tasks, such as working, studying, or taking care of yourself, it is time to consider seeking help.
- Suicidal ideas or self-destructive thoughts: If you start having frequent thoughts about death, dying, or harming yourself, this is a sign that the existential crisis has become a problem and that you need professional intervention as soon as possible.
How to deal with an existential crisis
Going through an existential crisis may require a conscious effort. With that in mind, we have brought you some strategies that can help you get through an episode of existential crisis more calmly.
Self-knowledge techniques
Self-awareness techniques such as journaling and mindfulness practices can help you gain clarity about your feelings and desires.
At this time, it is important to remember that controlled use of social media and mental health go hand in hand. Therefore, try to set aside some time for yourself, distancing yourself from too many external stimuli.
In this sense, writing is not only a way to document thoughts, but also a therapeutic tool that can facilitate introspection and self-knowledge.
By putting your emotions on paper, you may begin to see patterns and connections that were previously unnoticed. This process can be extremely enlightening and often liberating.
Staying close to friends and family
Talking openly about your feelings and receiving emotional support can help reduce isolation and loneliness.
Healthy relationships provide a sense of belonging and security, which are essential for overcoming moments of crisis.
Practice physical activity
Regular physical activity is a great way to relieve stress and improve your mood.
Exercises such as walking, running and yoga can help release endorphins and promote a state of well-being.
In addition to the physical benefits, physical activity can provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose, combating feelings of hopelessness.
Psychotherapy
Several types of therapy can help deal with existential crises.
A therapist can help you explore deep issues and develop strategies for coping and overcoming the crisis.
In addition to self-knowledge and writing practices, other therapeutic approaches can have a positive impact on resolving anxiety attacks, helping the patient to manage their feelings and better understand their thoughts or behaviors, assisting in the change towards a fuller life.
Remember what is in your control
Focusing on the things you can control, rather than worrying about the unknown, can help reduce anxiety.
Identifying small actions you can take to improve your situation can bring a sense of empowerment.
Emphasizing control over your choices and actions can help restore a sense of agency and direction in life.
When to seek professional help?
If your existential crisis is significantly affecting your daily life and you feel like you can’t cope on your own, it’s important to seek professional help.
A psychologist can provide expert support and guidance to help you get through this difficult time.
Telepsychology offers a convenient way to access these services, allowing you to receive help from anywhere.
How can a psychologist help you deal with an existential crisis?
A psychologist can help in a number of ways, including:
- Provide a safe space to express your feelings;
- Help identify and understand the underlying causes of the crisis;
- Develop strategies to address and overcome the issue;
- Provide ongoing support and follow-up to ensure progress.
Face a existential crisis It can be challenging, but with the right strategies and adequate support, it is possible to overcome this phase and find new meaning and purpose in life.
If you are going through an existential crisis, consider seeking professional help and adopting practices that promote self-knowledge and well-being.
Our team of experts is ready to help you find effective, personalized strategies to deal with your emotional challenges.
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