“I want to leave, to go somewhere where I should be really in my place, where I would fit in… but my place is nowhere; I am unwanted.”- Jean-paul Sartre
Introduction
In our life, we all experience some sort of negative emotion every now and then like anxiety, sadness, feeling down, exhaustion. But some experience these daily. And soon these emotions cluster together and make them question their life, its meaning and purpose. It’s a state of despair where life seems meaningless, pointless because of the set limits and boundaries and because we are all anyway going to die one day. What causes this, and how does one identify it and cope with it? Let’s discuss.
Causes
Just facing day to day challenges does not result in one developing an existential crisis. Usually, a major change in life, traumatic event, loss or long term depression might lead to an existential crisis.
Some of the causes can be:
Losing a loved one
Change in career
Feeling of guilt over something
A major change in life (Marriage, divorce etc.)
Empty Nest Syndrome
Self-dissatisfaction
A few mental health conditions like-
Depression
Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Types
Freedom and responsibility
With freedom of choice comes the responsibility of the consequences of these said choices. When these responsibilities become overwhelming and difficult to fulfill, one starts questioning life and existence as a whole.
Death and mortality
This crisis mainly occurs when you hit a certain age, for eg. 50, and you start questioning what you have done in life, what follows death and these questions develop anxiety. Also, the diagnosis of a chronic illness can result in the person questioning their life and the inevitable death that awaits.
Isolation and connectedness
Although these are 2 polar opposite concepts, both need to exist harmoniously. Too much socialization will lead to one losing value on individualism and that will risk their individual identity. However, complete isolation will lead to a lack of support emotionally, physically and mentally, and will lead to one feeling that their life is pointless.
Meaning
This is the central concept surrounding the existential crisis. Where life feels meaningless and purposeless.
Emotions
Some people tend to block out all negative emotions like anger and sadness from their life. They like to believe they are in a state of happiness, a false state of happiness. This leads to a detachment from one's real emotions. Allowing yourself to embody all of your emotions will lead to personal growth and prosperity.
How to cope with it?
Maintaining a gratitude journal
Writing down about things that give you happiness or things that make you feel good about yourself will give you an idea about where exactly you should be directing your energy and what activities can help you grow.
Create connections
As being detached or isolated can lead to an existential crisis, reconnecting with people, socializing more will help you to re-establish relationships and give life meaning.
Do not expect answers for everything
When we look at life as a whole, it becomes part of a hugely complex question. And everything does not have an answer. Realizing that at some point is necessary.
Practice mindfulness/meditation
Mindfulness is a therapeutic technique in which one practices staying in a state of being in full awareness of one's present self, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations. Engaging in more feel-good activities will give you something to look forward to in a day. Meditating will help in collecting one's thoughts and in replacing negative emotions with a more peaceful, calm, positive emotion.
Contact a professional
If your situation in any way is leading to suicidal thoughts, immediately contact a professional and take help.
References
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