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An existential crisis -

An existential crisis can happen when we start to wonder what our purpose on Earth is, or what the purpose of life as a whole is.

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Searching for meaning -

While it's common to search for meaning and purpose in your life, with existential crises, the problem lies in being unable to find satisfying answers.

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Who can an existential crisis affect? -

An existential crisis can affect anyone at any age, but many experience it in the face of a difficult situation where they're struggling to succeed.

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Causes -

An existential crisis usually follows deep despair, major trauma, or loss. Causes of an existential crisis include guilt, losing a loved one, feeling socially unfulfilled, dissatisfaction with self, and repressing emotions. 

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Crisis of freedom and responsibility -

You may have just graduated college or left home for the first time, and you realize you have the freedom to make your own choices and must accept the consequences of the choices you make.

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Crisis of freedom and responsibility -

For some, newfound freedom is too overwhelming and triggers existential anxiety.

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Crisis of death and mortality -

An existential crisis can strike around milestone birthdays. For example, turning 50 may force you to confront the reality of your life being half over. 

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Crisis of death and mortality -

After a certain age, you may reflect on life and death. Fear of what may follow death may trigger anxiety. This type of crisis can also occur after being diagnosed with a serious illness or when death is imminent.

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Crisis of isolation and connectedness -

Humans are social beings, and strong relationships can provide mental and emotional support and bring satisfaction and joy.

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Crisis of isolation and connectedness -

When people drift apart or death separates loved ones, it can lead to isolation and loneliness, causing some people to feel that their life is pointless.

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Crisis of meaning and meaninglessness -

When some people reflect on their lives, they may feel that they haven't accomplished anything significant or made a difference, leading them to question their very existence.

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Mystery of the universe -

Questioning the universe, unending space, and the meaning of life on Earth can make some people feel inconsequential and overwhelmed by thoughts of not knowing.

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Existential crisis depression -

During an existential crisis, you may experience feelings of depression. Symptoms include fatigue, headaches, feelings of hopelessness, persistent sadness, and loss of interest in hobbies.

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Existential crisis anxiety -

Existential crisis anxiety involves being preoccupied with the afterlife or nervous about your place and plans in life.

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Existential obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) -

Being preoccupied with the meaning of life and your purpose may cause racing thoughts, known as existential OCD.

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Take control of your thoughts -

Try to replace pessimistic ideas with positive thoughts. Telling yourself that your life is meaningless can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

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Keep a gratitude journal -

Write down everything for which you're grateful, from family to your qualities, and you'll realize your life has more meaning than you thought.

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Focusing on the self -

Focusing on things that bring you joy may help prevent an existential crisis. Hobbies and goal-oriented activities can create a sense of accomplishment and pride in your capabilities.

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Remind yourself of why life has meaning -

If you have difficulty seeing the good in yourself, ask your friends or family to highlight your positive attributes.

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Don't expect to find all the answers -

Instead of asking the big questions, become satisfied with learning the answers to smaller questions that make up the bigger picture.

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When to see a doctor -

You might be able to break through an existential crisis on your own without a doctor, but if feelings persist, you may need to see a mental health professional.

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Cognitive behavioral therapy -

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a talk therapy that aims to change patterns of thinking or behavior and can be useful when dealing with an existential crisis.

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When to seek immediate help -

Seek immediate help if you have suicidal thoughts. However, you don't have to wait until the crisis point before speaking with a doctor or mental health professional.

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Midlife crisis -

A midlife crisis is one of the most talked-about types of existential crises. People going through a midlife crisis might question their life choices and contemplate new directions. It happens anywhere from 40 to 60 years of age.

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Chris Hemsworth -

Following the death of his grandfather, Australian actor Chris Hemsworth experienced an existential crisis where he reflected on his life and came to terms with his mortality.

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Jim Carrey -

In September 2017, at the Harper’s Bazaar Icons party, actor Jim Carrey gave an existential interview to an E! News reporter, saying, "There's no meaning to any of this."

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Elon Musk -

In 2023, businessman and investor Elon Musk revealed he had an existential crisis at age 12, in which he thought about ending his life.

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Tyler Perry -

In 2020, filmmaker Tyler Perry opened up about going through a mid-life crisis. In a social media post, he admitted he was "wondering what the next chapter in my life will look like."

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Things to remember -

An existential crisis can happen to anyone, leading them to question their existence and purpose in life. However, it is possible to overcome an existential crisis and move past these dilemmas.

Sources: (Healthline) (PsychCentral)

See also: Clear signs you've hit a midlife crisis

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