It is not uncommon to search for meaning and purpose in your life. For most people, this search is short-term and does not interfere that much with their quality of life. However, some people struggle to find satisfying answers to these questions. For some people, the lack of solutions triggers a personal conflict from within, causing a loss of joy and frustration. It also causes them to question their place and purpose in life. This is referred to as an existential crisis.
Symptoms
People who experience an existential crisis feel overwhelmed or panicked about death. Existential crises often involve an increased awareness of the difficulty of life or even the reality of death.
During an existential crisis, a person may experience a variety of symptoms, including:
- Depression
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Isolation from friends and loved ones
- Lack of motivation and energy
- Loneliness
- Obsessive worry
- Constant fear about death
Treatment
While there is no one specific treatment for dealing with existential anxiety, there are treatments that can be helpful. For example, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help address symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues that may accompany existential anxiety and other symptoms. Marésa may also use existential therapy to help patients deal with existential crises. Existential therapy emphasizes the human condition and highlights our abilities. It encourages us to acknowledge our successes.