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An existential crisis can occur when someone often questions their existence in life. Most people with this condition can even experience anxiety, depression, and stress at some point in their lives.
If left unchecked, this can have a bad impact on mental health. So, to prevent worsening mental health, let’s look at a more complete explanation.
What causes an existential crisis?
Everyday challenges and stresses may not trigger an existential crisis. However, as reported by Healthline, this type of crisis tends to follow deep despair or a significant event such as major trauma.
Apart from that, there are several other causes that are commonly experienced.
The causes of the crisis can include guilt about something, loss of a loved one in death, feeling socially unfulfilled, dissatisfaction with oneself, and a history of often suppressed emotions.
Common symptoms of an existential crisis
Existential crisis refers to feelings of unease about meaning, choice, and freedom in life. Therefore, during this crisis a person may experience a variety of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, feeling overwhelmed, and isolation from friends and loved ones.
Not only that, some people with this crisis will also experience a lack of motivation and energy, loneliness, and even obsessive worry. Please note, existential crises can be experienced by people with diverse backgrounds.
However, people with certain mental health conditions may be more vulnerable to experiencing such crises. Several mental conditions that can trigger an existential crisis include anxiety, borderline personality disorder or BPD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD.
How to overcome an existential crisis?
Experiencing an existential crisis does not automatically mean that someone has a mental health problem. However, there are various ways to help direct yourself to be better, including the following:
Make a note of gratitude
Keeping a journal about things you can be grateful for can add meaning to your life. Writing down the things you like and have meaning will help you understand the things you want to change.
Looking back at this journal at a later date can help remind you of things you previously enjoyed, thereby increasing feelings of gratitude. Not only that, the positive experiences and interactions shared collectively will also give meaning to life.
Don’t give in to pessimism
When someone finds themselves in existential turmoil, it is easy to let negative thoughts take over. For this reason, so that this crisis can be faced, try to develop positive things in your mind.
This is known to help control a person’s inner dialogue or at least make self-talk more neutral. Never give in to pessimism and try to take time to explore yourself.
Redirect positive energy
Big changes in life will make some people lose their positive energy. Therefore, it is important for people who have an existential crisis to redirect energy in the body.
Focus your energy on relationships or hobbies you enjoy because they can help you achieve better life balance. A balance between all aspects can keep life going when one part is cut off.
Connect with people nearby
An existential crisis can occur when you feel disconnected from the people in your life. Therefore, it is important to re-establish connections with other people so that this crisis can be faced.
Reach out to friends or family and others who have had similar experiences. However, if feelings of existential crisis last longer or don’t go away and cause depression, then talk to a professional immediately.
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