Existential Crisis: What It Is, Symptoms, and How to Deal With It?

existential crisis (1)

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a rut? Like you don’t know what you’re doing with your life? Like everything is pointless and you just want to give up? If so, then you may be experiencing an existential crisis. This can be a very difficult experience, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. In this blog post, we will discuss what an existential crisis is, the symptoms, and how to deal with an existential crisis.

What Does Existential Crisis Mean?

what does existential crisis mean

This is a moment in which an individual questions the meaning and purpose of their life. This can be a very overwhelming and confusing experience, as it can feel like there is no answer to these big questions. Existential crises often happen during periods of major transition in our lives, such as after graduation or during a divorce.

What Are The Symptoms Of Existential Crisis?

There are many different symptoms of an existential crisis, as this experience can be unique to each individual. Some common symptoms include:

Questioning Your Values And Beliefs

One of the most common symptoms of an existential crisis is questioning your values and beliefs. This can be a result of feeling like you’ve been living a lie or that your life has no purpose. If you start questioning your values and beliefs, it can lead to a feeling of emptiness and confusion.

Searching For Meaning

Another common symptom of an existential crisis is searching for meaning. This may manifest itself in several ways, such as questioning your career choice or wondering if there’s more to life than what you’re currently doing. If you find yourself constantly searching for meaning, it could be a sign that you’re experiencing an existential crisis.

Experiencing A Sense Of Anxiety Or Dread

Existential crises can also cause a sense of anxiety or dread. This is often because people who are going through this experience feel like they have no control over their lives.

Feelings Of Depression, And Anguish

One of the most common symptoms of this is feeling depressed, anxious, and/or anguished. This can lead to feelings of emptiness, meaninglessness, and despair.

Loss Of Interest In Activities You Once Enjoyed

Another common symptom of existential crisis is losing interest in activities you once enjoyed. This could include hobbies, work, or even socializing with friends and family. This loss of interest can make you feel like your life has no purpose or direction.

Feeling Disconnected From Others

Another symptom of this is feeling disconnected from others. This can be because you feel like you’re not living an authentic life or that you have nothing in common with the people around you. If you start to feel disconnected from others, it’s a good idea to reach out to someone who can help you connect back to yourself.

What Are The Causes Of Existential Crisis?

what are the causes of existential crisis

There are many different causes of existential crisis, as this experience can be unique to each individual. Some common causes include:

Not Living An Authentic Life

One of the most common causes of existential crisis is not living an authentic life. This means that you may feel like you’re not doing what you’re truly passionate about, or like you’re not being true to yourself. This can lead to feelings of emptiness, meaninglessness, and depression.

Facing Death Or Loss

Another common cause of the existential crisis is facing death or loss. This can be the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or even the loss of a job. These losses can make us question our mortality and purpose in life.

Making Major Life Changes

Major life changes can also trigger an existential crisis. This could include getting married, having a baby, retiring, or moving to a new city. These changes can force us to confront our mortality and reassess our values and goals in life.

How To Deal With Existential Crisis?

how to deal with existential crisis

If you’re dealing with an existential crisis, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Many people have gone through this experience and come out the other side. Here are some tips for how to deal with an existential crisis:

Find Meaning In Your Suffering

One of the best things you can do is to find meaning in your suffering. This could involve talking to a therapist, joining a support group, or reading about others who have gone through similar experiences.

Focus On The Present Moment

It can be easy to get caught up in worrying about the future or dwelling on the past during an existential crisis. However, it’s important to focus on the present moment as much as possible. This means living in the moment and savoring the good moments, even if they’re small.

Take Care Of Yourself

During an existential crisis, it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. This means getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. It also means taking time for yourself to relax and do things you enjoy.

Find A Support System

Another helpful tip is to find a support system of people who understand what you’re going through. This could be friends, family members, or a therapist. Having someone to talk to can make a big difference when you’re dealing with an existential crisis.

These are just a few tips for how to deal with an existential crisis. If you’re going through this experience, remember that you’re not alone and there is help available.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this is a normal part of life. It is a time when we question our existence and what it means to us. This can be a difficult and confusing time, but it is also an opportunity for growth. If you are experiencing an existential crisis, there are a few things you can do to help yourself through it.

First, seek out supportive people who will listen to you and validate your feelings. Second, find ways to express yourself creatively or spiritually. And finally, remember that this is only a phase – it will eventually end.

You can reach out to us for therapy sessions related to an existential crisis. We have a professional therapist to help and support you in a tough time. Visit our website for more information.

A Word From Therapy Mantra

Your mental health — Your psychological, emotional, and social well-being — has an impact on every aspect of your life. Positive mental health essentially allows you to effectively deal with life’s everyday challenges.

At TherapyMantra, we have a team of therapists who provide affordable online therapy to assist you with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, workplace Issues, addiction, relationship, OCD, LGBTQ, and PTSD. You can book a free therapy or download our free Android or iOS app.