What Is an Existential Crisis, and How Do You Overcome It?

Understanding and Overcoming an Existential Crisis

At some point, we all experience moments of confusion, uncertainty, and questioning as to the direction and purpose of life. When the feelings and questions become overwhelming, they may result in an existential crisis. This can be a difficult time, but it can also provide an opportunity to reconnect with your values and plan out your future.

What are the Signs of an Existential Crisis?

Some of the common signs of an existential crisis include:

• Constant Worry: Somber thoughts may occupy your day-to-day life, causing you to be unable to set them aside.
• Anxiety and Depression: Existential crises may lead to feelings of sadness and anxiety.
• Lack of Motivation: Feeling disconnected and purposeless can cause a lack of motivation.
• Low Energy Levels: An existential crisis may lead to a decrease in energy levels, making it difficult to engage in activities.

If you notice any of these signs in your life, it may be time to acknowledge and accept the feelings associated with the crisis and start taking steps to overcome it.

How to Overcome an Existential Crisis

An existential crisis can be seen as an opportune time to reflect on our values and purpose, and create a plan of action to achieve it. Here are four steps to overcoming an existential crisis:

• Acknowledge and accept the feelings you're experiencing.
• Ask yourself questions and take steps to find the answers. Define your values and take notice of what brings you joy and meaning.
• Talk to someone, whether it's a friend, family member, or a professional like a therapist or coach.
• Take small steps to make progress. Break your plan into manageable tasks and focus on living a life with purpose.

It's important to understand that dealing with an existential crisis doesn't have to be a negative experience. But it is important to be aware of the symptoms and to take action to overcome it and live your life with purpose.

Additional Factors to Consider

Existential crisis can take on different forms and cause various symptoms, such as worry, anxiety or depression, as well as substance abuse. Additionally, it can sometimes lead to a lack of social engagement, which can have a detrimental effect on our mental health.

Existential crises have many causes, such as unexpected life turns or a feeling of being out of control, which may also be accompanied by deep grief due to a significant loss. It is therefore important to be aware of the factors that may contribute to an existential crisis and to take action to overcome it.

An existential crisis can be an emotionally and mentally challenging experience, but it can also be seen as an opportunity to reevaluate and plan our life goals. No matter what causes an existential crisis, understanding the signs and taking steps to overcome it is the best way to live a life with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Overcoming an Existential Crisis

At times, we may feel that our behavior and our true selves don't align. This is what we call an existential crisis, and it provides us with an opportunity to understand our values and make changes so that our actions are more aligned with who we truly are. To face and overcome an existential crisis, there are several steps we can take.

• Reach out to those close to you for support.
• Express your feelings and communicate your thoughts.
• Find pleasure in small things and be mindful.
• Focus on what you can control.
• Keep a journal of feelings and progress.
• Reconnect with your life's purpose.
• Explore the option of speaking to a professional.

An existential crisis can be an isolating experience, but if you follow the steps above, you may find yourself growing and gaining self-awareness in the end. Additionally, try spending time with your loved ones, asking for help, and engaging in self-care. At Shiken, we provide the resources to help individuals during their existential crisis. We believe that having the right mindset, skillset, and behaviors can help everyone reach their fullest potential. That's why we offer events, a blog, and research to assist people who are going through an existential crisis.