Do you sometimes feel like this? "Who am I? What is the meaning of this life? Do I really care about what I do? What will happen after I die?" If these questions have been running through your mind, you are not alone. This is a mental state that many people experience at some point in their lives, and which we medically call an "existential crisis." It is not an illness, but it can be a huge burden on our minds.
Simply put, what is this existential crisis?
This may seem like a very profound word, but the meaning is very simple. An existential crisis is a set of questions and unsettling thoughts that arise in our minds about our lives, our identity, the purpose of life, and what we will leave behind after we die.
Simply put, all of these thoughts revolve around two fundamental questions: "Who am I?" and "What is the purpose of my life?"
Imagine asking yourself questions like these:
- Who am I really?
- Why was I born into this world? What is the meaning of my life?
- What will I do with the time left in my life?
- Am I living the way I really want to live, or the way others want me to live?
- Are the decisions I have made in life right?
If you have any of these questions in your mind, that's normal. But if these questions continue to bother you, if they affect your daily activities and happiness, then that's where we need to think a little more about this.
When do thoughts like this come?
This type of crisis can happen to anyone at any age, but it is most common during times of major life changes .
- During youth: This situation can arise, especially after graduating from high school and when making decisions about the future, with questions like "What kind of person do I want to be?" and "What job should I do?"
- In your late 20s: When you're thinking about a job, marriage, or settling down in life, you may wonder, "Am I on the right path?"
- In middle age and beyond: When your children grow up and leave home, or you retire from your job, thoughts like "What will I do with the rest of my life?" and "What have I accomplished in my life?" may arise.
The important thing is that this existential crisis is not a disease called ``Depression`` or ``Anxiety`` either. It is not a medically recognized disease. It is a pattern of our thoughts. However, this crisis can cause conditions called depression or anxiety, and a person with those conditions can also develop this crisis.
What could be causing this crisis?
Often, these deep questions arise with a big, traumatic event in life. But sometimes, it can also be caused by a happy event. Let's look at the main reasons.
| Cause/Event | For example |
|---|---|
| A serious illness | When you learn that you have a life-threatening illness like cancer. |
| The death of a loved one | The death of a parent, partner, child, or best friend. |
| Big changes in life | Losing a job, getting married, having a child, moving country. |
| Feeling old | Children leaving home, retirement, body changes. |
| A deeply traumatic experience | It's like a big accident that just barely escaped death. |
Not only that, but sometimes these thoughts can come to mind without any particular reason. Also, people with mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, or obsessive -compulsive disorder are more likely to experience these types of existential crises.
How do you know if you also have this crisis?
This varies from person to person, but there are some common symptoms. Let's break these down into two categories: mental and physical.
| Common characteristics of an existential crisis | |
|---|---|
| Psychological symptoms | |
| 1. | Constantly thinking about dying one day, feeling afraid of it. |
| 2. | Feeling like there is no meaning in everyday things. |
| 3. | Always feeling alone in the world. |
| 4. | Not being able to figure out who you are, what your identity is. |
| 5. | Feeling like you can't change or control your life. |
| Physical Symptoms | |
| 1. | Feeling sluggish, constantly tired. |
| 2. | Loss of appetite or inability to control eating. |
| 3. | Insomnia or sleeping too much. |
| 4. | Not being able to enjoy the things you used to enjoy. |
But remember, these physical symptoms are often associated with conditions like depression or anxiety that can occur with this crisis. If you have any doubts about this, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor. He or she can tell you exactly what you have based on your symptoms and thought patterns.
Okay, so how do we deal with this?
This is a very personal experience, and everyone's approach to coping is different. However, there are some general tips that can help you get through this crisis.
- Talk to someone you trust: In times like these, we often choose to isolate ourselves. But that only makes the problem worse. You can talk about what's on your mind, talk to a friend, partner, or parent you trust. Informing them about your situation will give you the strength to seek professional help if needed.
- Try to change your perspective: It may not be easy, but try to think positively about life and your past experiences instead of thinking negatively. Instead of thinking, "I failed," think, "I learned a lesson from that experience." If you find this difficult to do on your own, seek the help of a counselor.
- Meditate: Meditation and practicing mindfulness can help you focus your mind and control unwanted thoughts. It will encourage you to find joy in the little things in your daily life.
- Keep a journal or diary: Writing down your thoughts and feelings on paper is a great way to free your mind. Also, try writing down what solutions you can think of to the problems that are bothering you.
If, despite all this, you still have trouble getting rid of these thoughts, don't be ashamed of it. Don't suffer alone. It's very important to seek the help of a qualified therapist/counsellor. That's the biggest help you can get. Your family doctor can refer you to someone who is right for you.
Take-Home Message
- Existential Crisis is not an illness. It is a thought pattern that arises about the deeper issues of life.
- This is a normal situation that can occur to anyone during times of major life changes.
- Although this is different from depression or anxiety, it can occur together with those conditions.
- You can cope with this situation by talking to a trusted person, thinking positively, meditating, and keeping a journal.
- If these thoughts are too overwhelming for you to control, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor or a qualified counselor. It's not a weakness, it's a strength.
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