At certain points in life, you may find yourself questioning the path you’ve chosen or who you really are. Doubts might creep in about your career choice, the quality of your relationships, or the overall direction your life is heading. Perhaps you’re feeling a sense of disconnection from the activities and people you once enjoyed. Or maybe you’re confronted with the challenging thoughts about your purpose and the meaning of life.
This internal turmoil, characterized by deep introspection and questioning, is commonly referred to as an existential crisis.
An existential crisis is a period of intense questioning about one’s own life, values, and existence.
It’s not always about life’s most profound mysteries; sometimes, it’s the seemingly mundane aspects of our lives that trigger these crises. Whether it’s the realization that you’re not truly fulfilled by your job or the sudden understanding of your own mortality, the breakdown of a long term romantic relationship, retirement, the loss of significant people in your life, or a tragedy, an existential crisis can emerge from various life experiences.
Experiencing an existential crisis doesn’t mean something is inherently wrong with you. It’s a normal part of human experience that reflects our inherent need to understand ourselves and our place in the world. The primary motivating force in our lives is meaning, so it’s natural we come to points that we need to establish the importance of this and our situation. And given that the world is in a meaning crisis, existential crises may become more frequent and widespread.
By discussing and exploring the nature of existential crises, we can develop strategies for overcoming them and harnessing these experiences for personal growth.
Understanding Existential Crisis
An existential crisis is a state of emotional and psychological distress centered around questions of existence, purpose, freedom, and mortality. In essence, it’s a period when you deeply question the meaning, purpose, and value of your life or the things in it.
Think of it like this: our lives are a continuous narrative that we construct, filled with roles, values, relationships, goals, and so on. An existential crisis often arises when this narrative feels disjointed or doesn’t make sense anymore.
The word ‘crisis’ can sometimes be dramatic so some alternative terms I like to sometimes use are ‘existential transition’ or ‘existential shift’. Either way, it often means something slightly different to each person and we don’t all experience it the same way.
For some people, it could be triggered by a significant life event such as a career change, a loss of a loved one, or reaching (or missing) a major milestone, like turning 50 or having children. The mid life crisis is a stereotypical example of this.
For other people, it could be a sudden, unsettling realization during an otherwise ordinary day – a feeling of disconnection, or a profound sense of insignificance in the grand scheme of the universe.
Importantly, an existential crisis is not a mental illness or disorder, but rather a natural and normal response to existential concerns. It reflects our fundamental human condition of seeking meaning and purpose in life, an inherent aspect of our consciousness.
While existential crises can be challenging, they can also serve as catalysts for personal growth and self-discovery, pushing us to reflect, introspect, and redefine our life’s narrative. Think of it as a sign and not a symptom, beckoning you to correct your path and life, and re-orient yourself to what’s important for you.
Is an Existential Crisis Normal?
Contrary to what you might think, experiencing an existential crisis can be common. In fact, it’s a completely normal part of human experience, one that may even repeat itself throughout our lives in certain cases. Some people won’t have them at all, others will, and some will find enough distractions to never address their existential crisis.
Why? Because as humans, we are conscious beings capable of self-reflection and deep contemplation. We have the unique ability to ponder our own existence, question the meaning and purpose of life, and grapple with the inevitable reality of mortality.
Our self awareness comes at the cost of anxiety, the mechanism that makes us ponder a future not yet experienced.
Moreover, existential crises often arise from our natural desire for authenticity. This yearning pushes us to question whether we are living in alignment with our values and beliefs, whether we are leading a life that feels genuinely ours.
Sometimes, these questions can be unsettling, leading us to confront the possibility that our lives may not be as meaningful or fulfilling as we’d like them to be.
So if you find yourself in the midst of an existential crisis, know this: you are not alone, and what you’re experiencing is normal. It’s a part of the human condition, a testament to our unique capacity for introspection, self-awareness, and the pursuit of authenticity.
What determines how you will fare from your existential crisis is how you view it (your attitude to it) and what you will do about it (the choices and actions you take).
Our modern culture loves to have quick fixes and easy to take pills to fix our issues and problems. A route many people take is to distract themselves from the harder questions and introspection required with things like the pursuit of material wealth and possessions, drugs and alcohol, social media or tv show binges, and much more.
So if we want to have a fulfilling life, one we value and feel is worth living, perhaps even reaching a state of Eudaimonia, then how we deal with the aspects of existential crisis will determine the quality of life that comes after it.
How to Overcome an Existential Crisis?
Coming to grips with an existential crisis isn’t always easy, but it’s a process that can lead to profound self-discovery and personal growth, and in the end can even be satisfying.
Here are some strategies that may help:
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: The first step towards overcoming an existential crisis is to acknowledge the feelings it brings. It’s okay to feel anxious, lost, or fearful. These feelings are signals from your mind that something in your life needs attention. Trying to suppress them might provide temporary relief but won’t address the underlying issues.
2. Self-reflection: Engage in introspection to understand what’s triggering these feelings. Are you dissatisfied with your job? Are you struggling with life decisions? Are thoughts about mortality disturbing you? Understanding what’s driving your crisis can help you address it effectively.
3. Reach Out: Don’t hesitate to seek help. Talk to a trusted friend or someone trained or knowledgable in navigating existential issues. Externalizing your thoughts can make them feel less overwhelming and provide a fresh perspective. Remember, it’s okay to seek help.
4. Use It as a Compass: Treat your existential crisis as a guide pointing you towards areas of your life that need reconsideration. Instead of fearing it, use it as a tool for personal growth and self-discovery.
5. Accept Mortality: As grim as it sounds, accepting the inevitability of death can be liberating. It can motivate you to live a life that’s true to yourself, as you realize the importance of making the most of the time you have.
Remember, overcoming an existential crisis isn’t about finding the “right” answers to existential questions. It’s about finding answers that resonate with you, align with your values, and guide you towards living a meaningful and authentic life.
Embracing the Journey
An existential crisis can be a challenging experience, filled with questions, uncertainties, and sometimes a deep sense of dread. However, it’s essential to remember that these crises are a normal part of our human experience and often serve as powerful catalysts for personal growth and self-understanding.
Experiencing an existential crisis isn’t indicative of personal failure or weakness. Instead, it’s a testament to your capacity for deep reflection, self-awareness, and the courage to question your life’s direction.
Such introspection is valuable, even when it’s uncomfortable or painful.
Overcoming an existential crisis isn’t about finding absolute answers to life’s big questions; it’s about finding personal truths that resonate with your values and beliefs. It’s about living authentically and fully, embracing both the joy and the pain that comes with being human.
So, if you’re in the midst of an existential crisis, remember: it’s okay to feel lost, it’s okay to question, and most importantly, it’s okay to seek help.
You’re on a journey of self-discovery that, while daunting, can lead you to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. And that’s something worth pursuing.
Need some help with your existential crisis or journey? Check out the links at the bottom of the page and get in contact with me so we can work together with some 1:1 mental health coaching, specifically catered to you as an individual and your unique needs.
