Navigating an Existential Impasse: Strategies for Alleviation
When life throws you a curveball, it's not uncommon to feel like you're facing an existential crisis. Whether it's welcoming a new family member, grappling with gray hairs, or mourning a friend, unexpected changes can leave you questioning the purpose of it all and feeling overwhelmed with dread - a phenomenon known as existential dread.
No, it's not a shopping spree at the local spiritual bookstore or philosophical debates with strangers on the internet. An existential crisis is a normal, transitional phase that most of us experience throughout our lives – usually when faced with the inevitable fact that we'll eventually bite the dust.
"Life's big changes, profound losses, and sudden insights have a funny way of making us contemplate our place in the cosmos," explains psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD. "You start wandering if you're really living the life you imagined, and whether you're making the most of the time you've got."
An existential crisis and existential dread share similarities, but they're not the same. While an existential crisis is a response to change, existential dread describes the nervous feelings about the future that creep up during an existential crisis. So, if you're stuck in a dead-end job, but a coworker's terminal illness hits too close to home, chances are you're smack dab in the middle of an existential crisis with a heaping dose of existential dread. Pretty soon, just clocking in fills you with dread and catastrophic thoughts, making work your own personal nightmare.
Navigating through these inner turmoils can be tough, but it's an essential part of being human. If you're lucky, pushing through these uncertain moments will leave you stronger and more secure in your identity.
So, how can you deal with an existential crisis and existential dread? Here are some tips to help you put those feelings in the rearview mirror:
Understand and Embrace the Feelings
The first step is to acknowledge and accept the feelings you're experiencing. It's okay to feel lost, confused, and scared. According to Dr. Albers, "Instead of fighting against the feelings, try to understand them. They're guiding you toward something, even if you're not sure what it is."
Focus on the Present
When you're in the throes of an existential crisis, it's easy to get stuck in your thoughts, making it difficult to enjoy the present moment. Dr. Albers suggests practicing mindfulness to help you stay grounded in the present. "Savor the little moments, like listening to your favorite song or sharing a laugh with a friend," she says. "These experiences are reminders that life is worth living."
Seek Support
Don't go it alone. Reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional who can help you work through your feelings and offer a fresh perspective. If you're not sure where to start, chat with your primary care physician. They can refer you to a mental health professional who specializes in existential issues.
Embrace Change
Change is inevitable, but it's up to you how you respond to it. Dr. Albers encourages embracing change and using it as an opportunity to grow and evolve. "It's okay to feel afraid of change, but remember that it's through change that we experience growth," she says. "So, step out of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown."
Find Meaning
At the heart of an existential crisis is a search for meaning. Take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you and what gives your life purpose. Dr. Albers suggests keeping a gratitude journal or making a list of your values. By focusing on the things that bring you joy and meaning, you'll have a better understanding of the direction you want your life to take.
Remember, an existential crisis is a normal part of life. It's a call to grow, evolve, and find more meaning in your life. So, embrace the uncertainty and trust that you're exactly where you're meant to be – even if it feels like a winding, bumpy ride.
- A change in your career could be a trigger, causing an existential crisis, especially when you find yourself stuck in a dead-end job but are reminded of the brevity of life by a coworker's illness.
- During an existential crisis, it's crucial to care for your health-and-wellness, including your mental health, to ensure you're able to navigate through the difficult times.
- When you're facing an existential crisis, taking time for personal-growth by reading or learning about science, business, or education-and-self-development topics can provide perspective and help you find meaning in life.
- If you're facing an existential crisis, seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals could provide the guidance and fresh perspective needed to tackle your concerns.
- To overcome existential dread during an existential crisis, focusing on the delicious meals you prepare (food) or planning travel adventures can help calm your nerves and bring temporary relief from overwhelming thoughts about the future.
