4 Ways to Deal with an Existential Crisis
Whether you experienced a life-altering event or simply woke up one day and realized you aren’t the person you want to be, an existential crisis can shift your world off its axis.
The feelings of uncertainty and confusion can feel overwhelming, and it can be hard to know what to do to help yourself feel normal again.
Here at KMA Therapy, we’re here to help you navigate moments just like this – and show you there is a lot of potential for growth hidden in an existential crisis.
After reading this article, you’ll know what an existential crisis is, how to recognize if you’re having one, and four ways to fix it.
What is an Existential Crisis?
An existential crisis happens when you become overwhelmed by questions about life – including who you are, what you’re doing, and what the meaning of life even is.
5 Signs of an Existential Crisis:
- Feeling lost and confused
- Feeling like you want more out of life
- Experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression
- Questioning your plans and goals for the future
- Questioning how you were brought up or your belief systems
What Triggers an Existential Crisis?
The causes of an existential crisis vary from person to person, but major life transitions can often bring up questions about your purpose in life – triggering an existential crisis.
An existential crisis can be caused by:
- Major life changes, such as graduating from college or moving to a new city
- Feeling dissatisfied with how your life is going
- Unexpected life events, like losing a job
- Loss of a loved one or grief
How Long Does an Existential Crisis Last?
Once again, the length of an existential crisis depends on the person. It can last anywhere from a few days to a few years.
Ultimately, it depends on how long it takes you to safely process your feelings and reach a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and contentment.
Are Existential Crises Always Bad?
No! An existential crisis presents a great opportunity to look at your life, values, and experiences. It offers a new perspective and can help you learn more about what’s important to you in life.
Still, the feelings can be heavy to sit with, and you don’t want to be in an existential spiral forever.
4 Ways to Overcome an Existential Crisis
If you’re ready to move through your existential crisis, here are four ways to do it:
1. Engage in Mindfulness and Meditation Activities
Often, you can get into an existential spiral when you worry too much about the future. It can be tempting to try and think your way through situations that are out of your control – but it can also make you feel worse.
Mindfulness and meditation activities can help you stay grounded in the present moments.
2. Be Kind and Compassionate to Yourself
Existential crises can become moments where you berate yourself for everything you haven’t accomplished yet. It’s easy to be hard on yourself when you feel like you aren’t doing anything meaningful with your life.
But even though existential crises present opportunities to learn where we want to go, it’s important to acknowledge where you are now.
Growing your sense of self-compassion can help you realize you’ve had to do so much to get to where you are today, and you deserve to recognize the work you’ve put in.
3. Cultivate Your Sense of Gratitude
You might feel overwhelmed when you think about all the things you want to achieve in life – and all the things you’re still missing.
But grounding yourself in a sense of gratitude can help you remember all the good things you already have in your life.
4. Seek Professional Help
Existential crises are common – but if yours is lasting for months, or is interfering with your quality of life, it might be time to seek professional help.
An existential therapist can help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Existential therapy can help you figure out how to live a more meaningful and satisfying life.
Next Steps for Navigating an Existential Crisis
After reading this article, you know the causes of an existential crisis and four ways to cope with one.
Here at KMA Therapy, we know you want to live your most meaningful and fulfilling life. Our existential therapists are here to help you reconnect with your life’s purpose and live the life you deserve.
Book an appointment today or connect with our caring team to learn more.
If you’re not yet ready to book an appointment, check out these resources to keep learning:
- To find a therapist, read: How to Find an Existential Therapist in Toronto
- If you’re experiencing an existential crisis due to a recent loss, read: How to Cope with Grief and Loss
- To learn if Existential Therapy is right for you, read: What is Existential Therapy? (The Pros and Cons)
