What leads to an existential crisis
In existentialism – a philosophical movement that arose in Europe in the 20th century – there was a crisis called a turning point in a person’s life when he is faced with the need to find his main goal and take responsibility for the choices he has made. In a broader sense, an existential crisis refers to any period during which a person questions the meaning of his existence.
Usually a crisis arises due to important life events:
- change of job or career;
- death of a loved one;
- diagnosis of a serious or life-threatening illness;
- reaching a certain age, for example 40, 50 or 65 years;
- experiencing a tragic or traumatic experience;
- the appearance of children;
- marriage or divorce.
These events are often associated with anxiety about death. They make a person feel as if he is losing the meaning of life and is unable to create it.
What feelings does a person experience during this period?
During a crisis, you can encounter a whole range of emotions and experiences:
- anxiety;
- anxiety;
- feeling of loneliness and isolation from friends and loved ones;
- lack of motivation;
- regret about previous decisions.
You you can Ask yourself a lot of questions related to the meaning of existence, such as why you do your job. Austrian psychologist Viktor Frankl talked about another sign of an existential crisis – “Sunday neurosis” It’s the emptiness that people feel at the end of the work week when they don’t have urgent things to do.
An existential crisis is Not the samethat depression. People in these conditions may experience similar feelings, but an existential crisis is usually triggered by some important event, and depression rarely occurs for just one reason. Its development tie up with malfunctioning neurotransmitters, genetic factors and certain personality traits – for example, low self-esteem.
How to Deal with an Existential Crisis
1. Reconsider your attitude towards the situation
Yes, you are going through a difficult period. But you can use the situation to change something in your life and become happier. For example, existentialists believed that anxiety is an inevitable part of life that can teach a person important lessons. And the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard back in 1844 wrotethat without anxiety people simply cannot develop.
Don’t ignore your emotions – this way you will make more of them stronger. In addition, scientists suggest that suppressing feelings increases the risk of getting cancer and even dying prematurely.
2. Keep a gratitude journal
You may feel like nothing good is happening around you. But this is probably not the case. Keep a gratitude diary – write down in it what makes you happy and fills your days with meaning. Follow simple rules:
- Write regularly. Set yourself a schedule – let’s say, write notes three times a week.
- Be brief. One entry must contain up to five thanks. You can mention both little things and important events. It’s normal to write down that it’s your dad’s birthday today and that you drank delicious coffee this morning.
- Be specific. Avoid vague statements like “I am grateful to my colleague.” Instead, write “I am grateful to my colleague who gave the presentation for me when I was sick.”
Gratitude will add optimism and will help you have a more positive attitude towards life.
3. Communicate more
During a crisis, you may feel alone. But don’t isolate yourself from people, but, on the contrary, try to communicate with them more often. Talk to friends and family members – perhaps some of them have had similar experiences and can support you. If difficult feelings do not go away for several months or you have suicidal thoughts, consult a psychotherapist. It will help cope with this condition.
4. Do something you enjoy
Spend time not only on routine activities, but also on things that bring you joy, be it walking, reading books or playing with your children.
Maintain a balance between different aspects of life. Then, if something goes wrong in one area, it will be easier to bear it. For example, if you lost your job, redirect your energy to other things – devote more time to your family or find a hobby.
5. Don’t dwell on what has already happened.
Try not to constantly analyze what you did wrong. Regrets won’t change the past. Instead of dwelling on your memories, think about what you can do now. Imagine in which direction your life should develop. Perhaps this will allow you to decide on specific actions.
6. Don’t expect to find all the answers.
This does not mean that they are not worth looking for in principle. But there are simply no clear answers to some questions. A universal explanation of the meaning of life has not yet been invented.
Determine your values - these could be health, love, justice, self-development, fulfillment at work. Understanding what is truly important to you will help you set priorities, make decisions, and move towards the life you dream of.
Take other anti-crisis measures 📌
