Understanding the Meaning of an Existential Crisis
Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night, overwhelmed by questions like:
“What is the purpose of my life?”
or
“Does anything I do really matter?”
If so, you might have experienced what is often referred to as an existential crisis. It’s a profound moment, or sometimes an extended period of questioning your life’s meaning, purpose, and direction. While it can feel unsettling or even overwhelming, understanding what an existential crisis is and why it happens can provide clarity and guidance.
The term existential crisis may sound philosophical, and in many ways, it is. It originates from existential philosophy, which wrestles with questions of existence, freedom, and the human condition. However, you don’t need to be a philosopher to experience one. These crises are deeply personal and can occur at any stage of life, often triggered by major events, transitions, or even a growing awareness of life’s unpredictability.
In today’s society, where we’re constantly bombarded by social expectations, societal pressures, and personal uncertainties, it’s no surprise that existential crises have become a common, though often misunderstood, phenomenon. Far from being just a period of confusion or sadness, these crises challenge the very foundation of how we view ourselves and the world around us.
Let’s try to break down the concept of an existential crisis in clear and accessible terms. Whether you’re currently grappling with one or simply curious to learn more, we’ll take a look at its causes, signs, and how to navigate through it. By the end, you’ll not only have a better understanding of this complex experience but also tools to approach it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
What is an Existential Crisis?
At its core, an existential crisis is a period of intense self-reflection and questioning about life’s purpose, meaning, and value. It’s not just about feeling sad or confused; it’s a deeper exploration of who you are and why you exist. During an existential crisis, people often confront big, philosophical questions like:
“What is the meaning of life?”
“Am I living authentically?”
“What happens after death?”
These questions can feel overwhelming and unsettling because they challenge the foundation of how we see ourselves and the world. It’s not uncommon for people experiencing an existential crisis to feel like their usual routines, goals, or even relationships no longer provide the sense of fulfillment they once did.
Where Does the Term Come From?
The concept of an existential crisis stems from existential philosophy, a field of thought that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries. Philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir explored themes of freedom, responsibility, authenticity, and the search for meaning. They believed that grappling with life’s inherent uncertainties was a natural part of the human experience.
For example:
Kierkegaard described existential crises as moments where individuals confront their deepest fears and anxieties, often leading to a stronger sense of self.
Sartre emphasized the concept of freedom and how we must create our own meaning in a world that doesn’t inherently provide it.
Although these ideas originated in philosophy, they resonate deeply with modern psychological and emotional experiences.
How Is It Different from General Stress or Sadness?
It’s important to note that an existential crisis is not the same as everyday stress or sadness. While stress is often tied to specific challenges (like work deadlines or personal conflicts), and sadness may arise from events like a breakup or loss, an existential crisis is more abstract. It’s rooted in existential questions that go beyond day-to-day concerns. This can make it harder to pinpoint the cause or find immediate solutions, as it often involves questioning the why behind life itself.
For example:
A person feeling stressed at work might think, “How can I get this done?”
Someone in an existential crisis might think, “Why does this work even matter?”
Why Does It Happen?
An existential crisis is often triggered by major life transitions or unexpected events that disrupt our usual sense of stability. These can include:
The loss of a loved one.
Facing a personal health scare.
Reaching a milestone age and reflecting on life’s progress.
Experiencing a cultural or societal shift that challenges your worldview.
In many cases, it’s not just the event itself that causes the crisis, but the deeper questions it raises about your identity, values, and future.
Understanding what an existential crisis is and why it happens is the first step in addressing it. It’s a natural, albeit challenging, part of the human experience, and one that has the potential to lead to significant growth and self-discovery.
Common Causes of an Existential Crisis
An existential crisis doesn’t arise out of nowhere, it’s often triggered by specific life events, milestones, or circumstances that force us to reevaluate our sense of purpose and identity. While the causes can vary from person to person, certain experiences are more likely to spark this deep, reflective state.
1. Major Life Events
Significant changes in life often bring about existential questioning. These events disrupt our routine and force us to confront our values and priorities.
Loss of a Loved One: Losing someone close can lead to questions about mortality, the fragility of life, and what happens after death.
Career Changes or Job Loss: When work, a major source of identity for many, is disrupted, it can raise questions about purpose and fulfillment.
Divorce or Breakup: The end of a relationship may lead to doubts about love, trust, and the meaning of connection.
2. Personal Milestones
Certain ages or achievements naturally prompt reflection, often causing us to question whether we’re where we want to be in life.
Milestone Birthdays: Turning 30, 40, 50, or beyond often comes with self-reflection about accomplishments and unmet goals.
Graduation or Retirement: These transitional periods mark the end of one chapter and the uncertainty of what comes next.
Parenthood: Becoming a parent can lead to reflections on legacy, responsibility, and the world you’re shaping for the next generation.
3. Trauma or Grief
Experiencing trauma or profound grief often shakes the foundation of one’s worldview, leading to existential questioning.
Health Scares: A serious diagnosis or near-death experience can bring questions about mortality and how we spend our limited time.
Survivor’s Guilt: Surviving an event where others did not can lead to questioning why you were spared and what your purpose is moving forward.
Past Trauma: Unresolved emotional wounds can resurface, prompting deeper reflection on life’s meaning and fairness.
4. Cultural and Social Factors
Broader societal or cultural changes can also contribute to existential crises by challenging deeply held beliefs or highlighting uncertainties.
Living in Uncertain Times: Events like climate change, economic instability, or political upheaval can lead to feelings of helplessness and a search for meaning.
Social Media Influence: The constant comparison to others on social platforms can spark questions about self-worth, authenticity, and societal expectations.
Cultural Disconnect: Moving to a new culture or experiencing a shift in societal norms may challenge personal identity and beliefs.
5. Inner Desire for Growth
Sometimes, an existential crisis emerges not from external triggers but from an internal drive to grow and find deeper meaning.
Self-Reflection: As people become more aware of their own emotions and desires, they may naturally begin to question their values, choices, and long-term goals.
Spiritual Awakening: For some, an existential crisis is tied to questions about faith, spirituality, or a higher power.
These causes illustrate that an existential crisis is often a response to the complexity of human life. It’s a way of processing change, uncertainty, or even the realization that the life you’re living might not align with the life you truly want. Recognizing the triggers can help you understand the roots of your crisis and take the first steps toward navigating it.
Signs You May Be Experiencing an Existential Crisis
An existential crisis often manifests in ways that may feel confusing or overwhelming. Recognizing the signs can help you identify what you’re going through and understand that you’re not alone in these experiences. Below are the emotional, behavioral, and physical indicators of an existential crisis.
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Overwhelming Feelings of Dread or Despair
You might find yourself constantly feeling a sense of heaviness or emptiness, as though something is fundamentally missing in your life.Anxiety About Life’s Meaning
Persistent worry or unease about big-picture questions, such as your purpose or the nature of existence, can dominate your thoughts.Feelings of Guilt or Regret
Reflecting on past decisions and wondering if you’ve wasted time or taken the wrong path in life can lead to self-doubt and remorse.
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Withdrawal From Social Activities
You might feel a need to isolate yourself, either because you’re overwhelmed by existential questions or because you feel disconnected from others.Difficulty Focusing or Making Decisions
When you’re questioning your purpose, even small decisions can feel paralyzing, and your usual sense of clarity may seem out of reach.Restlessness or Avoidance Behaviors
Some people cope by trying to escape their thoughts through distractions, like excessive screen time, substance use, or constant busyness.
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Sleep Disturbances
Ruminating on existential questions can keep you up at night, leading to insomnia or a disrupted sleep cycle.Chronic Fatigue
The emotional weight of an existential crisis can drain your energy, making you feel physically exhausted even after rest.Somatic Symptoms
Stress and anxiety tied to existential questioning can manifest in the body as headaches, muscle tension, or digestive issues.
How These Signs Differ From General Stress or Sadness
It’s important to understand that an existential crisis involves deeper and more abstract concerns than typical stress or sadness. While stress often stems from tangible challenges (like a work deadline) and sadness may arise from specific events (like a breakup), an existential crisis centers around profound questions of meaning and purpose.
For instance:
A stressed person might think, “How can I meet this deadline?”
Someone in an existential crisis might think, “Why does this work even matter?”
Recognizing these signs is the first step toward navigating an existential crisis. While it’s normal to feel unsettled during this period, it’s also an opportunity to explore your values, priorities, and sense of self more deeply.
How to Navigate an Existential Crisis
Experiencing an existential crisis can feel like being lost in a dense fog of uncertainty and doubt. However, it’s possible to navigate through this challenging time and emerge with greater clarity and purpose. Below are practical steps to help you manage and move forward during an existential crisis.
Seek Support
One of the most important things you can do is to reach out for support. Talking to others can provide comfort, perspective, and guidance as you process your feelings.
Therapy: A therapist, especially one who specializes in existential or humanistic therapy, can help you explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or logotherapy can guide you in finding meaning and clarity.
Example: Discussing your feelings with a professional can help you reframe negative thought patterns and identify what truly matters to you.
Trusted Friends and Family: Sharing your thoughts with loved ones can help you feel less isolated. They may not have all the answers, but their support can provide reassurance.
Tip: Be honest about your struggles and let them know how they can best support you, whether by listening or offering advice.
Embrace Self-Reflection
Taking the time to explore your thoughts and feelings can help you uncover the underlying causes of your crisis and guide you toward solutions.
Journaling: Write down your thoughts, fears, and questions to gain a clearer understanding of your emotions.
Prompt: “What values or goals feel most meaningful to me right now?”
Mindfulness Practices: Engage in mindfulness or meditation to stay grounded in the present moment. These practices can reduce feelings of overwhelm and help you focus on what’s truly important.
Tip: Try a guided meditation specifically designed for existential or philosophical reflection.
Find Meaning in Everyday Life
While the big questions may feel overwhelming, focusing on small, meaningful actions can help you regain a sense of purpose.
Engage in Activities That Bring Joy: Spend time doing things that make you happy or fulfilled, such as hobbies, volunteering, or spending time with loved ones.
Example: If creating art brings you joy, make time to paint, draw, or craft.
Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the things you’re thankful for, no matter how small they seem. Gratitude can help shift your focus from what’s missing to what’s present in your life.
Exercise: Write down three things you’re grateful for each day.
Explore New Perspectives
An existential crisis often signals the need for growth and change. Embracing new ideas or experiences can help you find clarity and direction.
Read or Study Philosophy and Literature: Books that address existential themes, such as Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning or Albert Camus’ The Myth of Sisyphus, can offer insights and inspiration.
Tip: Focus on works that resonate with your personal struggles or questions.
Learn From Different Cultures or Spiritual Practices: Exploring spiritual or cultural traditions outside your own can broaden your understanding of life’s purpose and provide a sense of connection. Example: Practicing yoga or studying mindfulness traditions.
Set Realistic and Meaningful Goals
Feeling adrift often stems from a lack of direction. By setting small, achievable goals, you can begin to regain a sense of control and purpose.
Start Small: Break larger goals into smaller steps to make them manageable.
Example: Instead of “Find my life’s purpose,” focus on exploring one interest or passion at a time.
Align Goals With Your Values: Reflect on what truly matters to you and prioritize goals that align with those values.
Example: If connection is important, prioritize building or mending relationships.
Accept Uncertainty
One of the most liberating steps in navigating an existential crisis is learning to accept that some questions may never have clear answers, and that’s okay.
Embrace the Journey: Life’s meaning may evolve over time, and your journey of discovery is just as important as any answers you find.
Tip: Focus on being present in the process rather than seeking a definitive endpoint.
Find Peace in the Unknown: Let go of the need for certainty and focus on creating meaning in the here and now.
Example: Instead of questioning “What’s my purpose?” ask, “How can I make today meaningful?”
Navigating an existential crisis is not about solving every mystery of life, it’s about learning to live with those mysteries while finding purpose and joy in the process.
The Potential Positives of an Existential Crisis
Though an existential crisis can feel overwhelming, it can also be a powerful catalyst for growth, self-discovery, and a renewed sense of purpose. By reframing the experience, you can uncover the transformative opportunities hidden within the discomfort. Here are some of the potential positives of an existential crisis.
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An existential crisis forces you to confront life’s big questions, which can lead to significant personal development.
Reevaluating Priorities: You may discover that certain aspects of your life, such as material success or societal expectations, no longer align with your true values. This awareness allows you to focus on what truly matters.
Building Resilience: Working through existential uncertainty strengthens your emotional resilience and equips you to handle future challenges with greater confidence.
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An existential crisis can deepen your understanding of yourself and your unique needs, values, and aspirations.
Clarifying Your Identity: By reflecting on your choices and desires, you can gain a clearer picture of who you are and what you stand for.
Recognizing Patterns: Identifying recurring thoughts, behaviors, or feelings during a crisis can reveal areas for change or improvement.
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By examining your connections with others, an existential crisis can lead to deeper and more meaningful relationships.
Strengthening Bonds: Reflecting on the importance of love and connection often inspires people to invest more energy into their relationships.
Building Authentic Connections: As you embrace your true self, you’re more likely to form relationships based on mutual understanding and respect.
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An existential crisis often prompts a reevaluation of what gives your life meaning and purpose.
Discovering New Passions: As you explore what fulfills you, you may uncover interests or goals you hadn’t previously considered.
Living Intentionally: Recognizing that life is finite can motivate you to focus on what brings joy and fulfillment, rather than getting caught up in trivial concerns.
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Existential crises can teach you to let go of the need for certainty and embrace the here and now.
Practicing Mindfulness: By focusing on the present moment, you can reduce anxiety about the future and appreciate life’s small joys.
Accepting Life’s Uncertainties: Learning to live with the unknown can bring a sense of peace and freedom.
Transforming Crisis Into Opportunity
While an existential crisis is undoubtedly challenging, it’s also an opportunity for transformation. It allows you to shed what no longer serves you, rediscover your values, and move forward with greater clarity and intention.
When to Seek Professional Help
While navigating an existential crisis can often lead to growth and self-discovery, there are times when the weight of the experience becomes overwhelming.
If an existential crisis begins to interfere with your ability to function in daily life, seeking professional help can provide the support and guidance you need to move forward.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you notice any of the following signs, it may be beneficial to reach out to a therapist or counselor:
Persistent Feelings of Hopelessness
Difficulty Performing Daily Tasks
Severe Anxiety or Depression
Isolation or Withdrawal
Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
Thoughts of Self-Harm
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy offers a supportive space to explore the uncertainties of an existential crisis and validate your feelings as a natural part of the human experience. A therapist can guide you in reframing negative thought patterns, such as shifting from “Nothing in life has meaning” to “I have the power to create meaning in my life.”
Through existential or humanistic therapy, you can uncover what truly matters to you and align your actions with your values, setting goals that bring joy and fulfillment. Therapists also teach practical coping strategies like mindfulness and stress management to help navigate emotional turbulence.
If your crisis is tied to mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, or unresolved trauma, therapy can address these issues alongside the philosophical questions you’re grappling with, helping you find clarity and purpose.
When to Reach Out
Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a step toward clarity and healing. If you’re struggling to navigate your existential crisis alone, reaching out to a therapist can provide the tools and support you need to transform this period of uncertainty into an opportunity for growth.
Author
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At Space Between Counseling Services (SBCS), we're a team of diverse therapists passionate about enriching your mental health through insightful articles. Licensed across MD, NM, DE, DC (District of Columbia), and FL, we blend expertise in anxiety, depression, trauma, and more, striving for inclusivity in every piece we write.
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