Life has a lot of enigmas. We all ask questions about the nature of our existence (Why am I here? What is the meaning of life?) at some point in our lives, and it is only natural for anyone to want to learn more about these questions and delve deep into them. It is our innate nature to want to find meaning in our existence.

But when these questions and thoughts become too much to bear and cause strong feelings of unease, dread, anxiety, confusion, and dissatisfaction, then these intense emotions may escalate into an existential crisis.

An individual going through an existential crisis may find themselves juggling life without knowing where they stand. They also start pondering obsessively about the inherent meaning of life and may start having confusion about their identity.

Existential crises often arise during significant life transitions—leaving individuals uncertain and struggling with various challenges. Emotions run high as unanswered questions about life emerge—like when moving to a new place or ending a long-term relationship, causing individuals to feel as though the foundation upon which their life has been built is falling apart. It may even lead people to wonder how they are supposed to live their lives going forward.

An existential crisis isn’t an official psychological diagnosis, but its impact is genuine and shouldn’t be overlooked. Its symptoms can coexist with anxiety, depression, and other disorders. If one is prone to depressive or anxious episodes, one should be aware of intense feelings of meaninglessness that interfere with daily life.

Having said that, anyone can experience an existential crisis at some point in their life and this does not necessarily indicate that the individual has a mental health condition or is at risk for developing one.

Age can have a significant impact on the type of existential crisis one is experiencing. Teenagers, for example, may experience a crisis known as a sophomore crisis, in which they struggle to determine their life path and career. A quarter-life crisis is when individuals feel overwhelmed by the expectations and responsibilities that come with adulthood. Midlife crises occur in the middle ages and are more about reflecting on previous decisions and missed opportunities. Finally, there are later-life crises which concern mortality, health issues, legacy, regret, and retirement.

Existential crises aren’t necessarily negative. It can sometimes serve as motivation for someone to escape their dire situation, explore the root cause of their worries, and take action to improve their circumstances.

Life can be difficult at times, but making an effort to alter how we view a situation can help us see where we need to make improvements. Here are a few strategies we can try to cope with existential dread.

Finding answers to unanswerable questions like “What is my life’s purpose?” can be frustrating, so start small by asking yourself simple questions that can provide satisfaction. For instance, consider starting by asking yourself what you achieved today and how you feel about that. Then move on from there.

When going through an existential crisis, it’s possible that we only reflect on the past and dwell on the things we could have done better. Instead, we can try to shift our attention to the present and the days ahead, which are full of opportunities.

A small but powerful action we can take to improve our well-being is to express our gratitude. A potent source of inspiration to appreciate life’s beauty is to constantly remind oneself of the significant experiences for which one is grateful.

When we believe that no one cares about us, it is easy to spiral into a crisis; therefore, putting time and effort into fostering relationships can help us live meaningful lives.

At an age where we are expected to give and give some more, it is easy to overlook our own needs. Putting our attention on ourselves and doing things that bring us joy and fulfilment can help us avert an existential crisis. Plus, it is not selfish to take care of oneself.

Experiencing an existential crisis is anything but easy. When our thoughts about ourselves and life as a whole are negatively affecting us, seeking help from a mental health professional is wise. We are quick to empathise and suggest that our loved ones get the help they need, but when it comes to ourselves, we become oblivious. So, let’s take the first step and not be bystanders in our own lives. Reach out for help and check in on others, too, as we may never know what they’re going through.

Certainly, we are filled with questions about life, but it’s vital to embrace life’s journey as a process of discovery and learning. The answers lie not just in the journey or the destination but also in the significant questions we dare to explore throughout our path with the company we travel with.

If you have suicidal thoughts, seek support by calling the national helpline for suicide prevention at 1166.