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Existential Crisis?

Updated: Apr 16, 2023


Text on a dictionary page reading why, reason purpose

Many of us have experienced an existential crisis at some point in our lives. If you're not familiar with the term, it's essentially a time of reflection and introspection when you start questioning your life, your meaning and purpose. While this can be a scary experience, it can also be incredibly liberating once you work through it.



What is an existential crisis?


An existential crisis is a feeling of intense disorientation, anxiety and despair that can be triggered by a life change. It can happen when you start to question your beliefs about yourself and the world around you.

Woman looking longingly out of a window having an existential crisis

An existential crisis is a state of confusion, anxiety and depression brought on by the feeling that your life lacks meaning or purpose. You may feel as if you have no control over your life, or that the things that make up your identity are slipping away from you.


An existential crisis can strike at any age but is most common during adolescence and young adulthood -- when people are still figuring out who they want to be in this world and what kind of person they want to become. These questions can be difficult enough for adults; for teens who don't yet know how much power they have over their own destinies (or even how much control over their lives), these questions can feel overwhelming.


What causes an existential crisis?

A man sitting cross legged on a wooden floor with hood up looking anxious, having an existential crisis

An existential crisis may be brought on by:

  • Death of a loved one.

  • Divorce or breakup.

  • Loss of job or moving to a new city, state or country.

  • Starting a new job that requires you to do things you aren't used to doing.


These changes can be difficult to cope with. When you're going through a major transition, it's important to remember that there are things you can do to help yourself adapt. If you're experiencing an existential crisis, it might help to know that this is normal! They happen to everyone eventually, it's just part of being human.



How do you know if you are having an existential crisis?

Woman sitting on floor head in hands having an existential crisis

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign of an existential crisis:

  • You feel overwhelmed and have a sense of loss. The world may seem to be spiralling out of control and there's nothing you can do about it. You might feel like all your plans have fallen apart, even when they haven't.

  • You feel disconnected from others. This could manifest itself as feeling more isolated than usual or not being able to relate on any level with anyone else in your life, even people who love you very much! It might feel like everyone else has their life together except for you.

  • You have an increased sense of meaninglessness. You might feel like you're just going through the motions, doing whatever needs to be done, but you have a feeling that it's all meaningless. You could even start questioning whether life has any intrinsic worth at all.

  • You may feel as though you are just a character or NPC taking part in a movie or game and you're running on autopilot.




Tips for working through an existential crisis


People hugging in a circle on a beach after being healed after an existential crisis

People who are going through these types of situations often find it helpful to seek out support from a transpersonal therapist or counsellor, spiritual leaders or trusted friends & family. Talking with someone who has been through something similar can provide perspective and help put things into perspective for us when we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances. Talking to someone who can listen to your concerns without judgment is a great way to start understanding what is happening in your life and how you might feel about it.


Additionally, reading books and blogs on the topic can also be helpful because it gives us resources that we can refer back to when needed - especially if we don't feel comfortable talking about our feelings with other people right away.


Writing down your thoughts can be helpful too! Sometimes just putting pen on paper can help see things in a new light--or at least gives an opportunity for reflection. It's important not only that we understand our own experiences but also those around us; try seeking meaning in everything around us including ourselves as individuals and within society at large.

Two people walking dogs outdoors, good therapy if you're having an existential crisis

Focus more on being engaged with others; doing fun activities together outdoors at least once per week or try volunteering regularly by helping people out whenever possible.


Make a plan of action. What do you want out of life? What are your goals and how will they help achieve them? If there are specific steps involved in achieving those goals, write them down and create an achievable timeline for accomplishing each one! This will help keep things organised and prevent feelings of anxiety from overwhelming us as we move forward towards our dreams!


Find a local support group of likeminded individuals, all going through the same or a similar thing. Talking through your thoughts and feelings with someone else may also help give them clarity as well. Our online support groups run weekly if you'd like to join us, we'd love to see you there.



A spiritual awakening and an existential crisis can sometimes be confused for one another and it may take you some time to figure out what it is that's happening to you.


Man standing with arms out on the top of a hill feeling great after coming out of his existential crisis

An existential crisis is a time when you feel lost and confused. You might be questioning your purpose in life, feeling disconnected from other people, or wondering why it is that things always seem to go wrong.


A spiritual awakening is the opposite of an existential crisis - t's when you feel more connected to the world around you and


yourself as part of that world. While there are many ways for this connection to happen (and no right or wrong way), it's common for spiritual awakenings to be triggered by an existential crisis because they help us see our own significance in new and amazing ways. If you're feeling overwhelmed by life, it's important to remember that there are people out there who can help. You don't have to deal with this alone. Get in touch if you'd like some help.


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