Navigating an Existential Crisis: A Guide to Understanding and Overcoming It

Lately, you've been feeling uneasy, unable to pinpoint exactly what's bothering you. You're contemplating your life's meaning, your purpose, and even your identity. What's happening—are you losing it, or is this a normal experience?

In this article, we'll explore the concept of an existential crisis: what it is, what causes it, and most importantly, how you can overcome it. Let's dive in.

What Is an Existential Crisis?

An existential crisis typically refers to an inner conflict that arises from deep self-examination and questioning of fundamental aspects of life, identity, and purpose. It can lead you to scrutinize your existence—hence the term "existential."

Experiencing an existential crisis can be unsettling, as it forces you to confront questions without clear answers. In many ways, it's like a wake-up call from within, urging you to examine your life more deeply. It often surfaces during major life events or transitions but can also appear during quiet moments of reflection.

Most importantly, if you're going through an existential crisis, remember that it's not uncommon. Many people experience one at some point in their lives.

Signs and Symptoms of an Existential Crisis

Existential crises are complex and vary from person to person, but there are common signs to watch for:

• Feelings of emptiness: A hallmark symptom, this sense of emptiness can be deeply unsettling and often comes with dissatisfaction about your current circumstances, leading to a craving for deeper meaning.
• Anxiety and dread: You might feel consumed by worry or experience existential dread—a pervasive anxiety about purpose, mortality, and life's meaning. This can affect both mental and physical health, causing insomnia or restlessness.
• Questioning life choices: You may reevaluate past decisions, from career to relationships, searching for alignment with your true self. This introspection can bring growth but also inner turmoil.
• Desire for meaning: A deep-seated yearning to uncover life's grander narrative and answer profound questions like "What is the point?" drives this symptom, reflecting a natural human curiosity.
• Disconnection from self: Feeling alienated from your true identity, as if you've been living inauthentically, can prompt intense self-reflection and transformation.

Some people might turn to alcohol or other substances to cope, but this often worsens anxiety or depression. While these signs are distressing, an existential crisis is a natural part of personal growth, potentially leading to a more authentic and purposeful life.

What Are the Root Causes of an Existential Crisis?

Existential crises don't appear out of nowhere; they're triggered by various factors and life events. Here are four common causes:

• Major life changes: Events like career shifts, loss of a loved one, illness, or milestone birthdays can disrupt routines and prompt self-reflection.
• Awareness of mortality: As we age, we become more aware of life's finite nature, which can trigger deep existential questions.
• Misalignment with values: Realizing that your life choices don't align with your core values—such as pursuing a career for money over passion—can cause inner conflict.
• Societal expectations: Questioning societal norms about success, lifestyle, or milestones can lead to existential doubts.

Triggers vary by individual, depending on personal circumstances and life experiences.

7 Tips for Overcoming an Existential Crisis

Existential crises can be challenging, but you don't have to be overwhelmed. Here are seven practical steps to navigate them healthily:

• Engage in self-reflection: Use journaling to explore your thoughts and emotions. Ask yourself questions like "What matters most to me?" to gain clarity.
• Shift your perspective: Embrace change as an opportunity for growth. Ask what you can learn from your challenges instead of resisting them.
• Seek support: Avoid isolation by connecting with friends, family, or community groups. Sharing your feelings can provide comfort and a sense of belonging.
• Find joy in small moments: Focus on daily pleasures, like savoring a drink or enjoying nature, and practice gratitude to boost well-being.
• Set realistic goals: Reevaluate your goals to align with your values, and break them into actionable steps—for example, setting specific fitness targets.
• Practice mindfulness: Use meditation to observe thoughts without judgment, staying present and finding meaning in everyday experiences.
• Seek professional help: Don't hesitate to consult a therapist or counselor for insights and coping strategies—it's a sign of strength.

Together, these steps can help you manage an existential crisis constructively. Over time, you may even appreciate the personal growth it sparked.

The Bottom Line

While unsettling, existential crises offer opportunities for profound growth. They encourage questioning the status quo and seeking deeper meaning. By understanding their triggers, you can navigate them with awareness and emerge with a clearer sense of self and purpose. Remember, it's okay to question and explore—it's part of the journey toward a more authentic life.

If you're using alcohol to manage uncomfortable feelings, consider trying Quitemate. It's a neuroscience-backed app that has helped many people reduce alcohol consumption and build healthier habits.