Leroy is grappling with an existential crisis. Despite his PhD, a thriving career as a professor, and a loving family, he feels an unshakable void. News of his first love, El Destiny’s divorce, stirs deep nostalgia and unease, making him question the compromises in his own life. Yet, he knows they outgrew each other long ago, their lives diverging irreversibly. Reluctant to pursue an impossible “what if,” Leroy chooses to stay the course, preserving the life he has built.
El Destiny, in contrast, found strength in her struggles. Her divorce became a turning point, revealing a courage she never knew she had. With her existential crisis reshaping her sense of meaning, she emerged with newfound confidence, ready to embrace the life ahead on her terms.
What is an Existential Crisis?
Most people experience an existential crisis at some point in their lives. The question is how it affects individual lives. Is it a transformative experience, or can it lead someone down a darker path?
An existential crisis is a period of profound questioning about the core aspects of one’s life, purpose, and existence. It often involves grappling with concepts such as the meaning of life, personal identity, freedom, and mortality—ideas deeply explored by existential philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre, Søren Kierkegaard, and Friedrich Nietzsche. These thinkers have examined how individuals confront their own existence, freedom, and the weight of responsibility.
During an existential crisis, individuals may feel overwhelmed by the realization that life may not have inherent meaning, leading to anxiety, despair, or confusion. This can occur during significant life transitions or moments of deep introspection. Sartre’s concept of “anguish” speaks to the unsettling freedom we have in defining our own lives, while Kierkegaard emphasises the anxiety that arises when we confront our choices and existence.
While existential crises are often perceived negatively, they also offer a powerful opportunity for growth. They prompt individuals to reassess their values, rediscover their sense of purpose, and reshape their vision for the future. This reflection can catalyze meaningful change, helping individuals realign their life paths toward greater fulfilment and happiness, much like Nietzsche’s call for self-overcoming and the creation of personal meaning.
Navigating the Spectrum of Existential Crises
Existential crises can take various forms, as they arise from different aspects of human existence and the questions we grapple with. Here are some common types of existential crises, each associated with specific themes or triggers:
Crisis of Identity
What it is: A deep questioning of who you are, your role in life, and your sense of self.
Common triggers:
- Major life transitions (e.g., adolescence, career change, retirement).
- Feeling disconnected from past accomplishments or current roles.
Signs:
- Uncertainty about your personality, beliefs, or values.
- Struggles to reconcile different aspects of your identity (e.g., cultural, professional, or personal).
Crisis of Meaninglessness
What it is: A feeling that life, activities, or goals lack purpose or significance.
Common triggers:
- Achieving a major milestone and feeling unfulfilled.
- Losing a guiding purpose (e.g., religion, passion, or relationship).
Signs:
- Struggles to find joy in previously meaningful activities.
- Questions like “What’s the point of it all?”
Crisis of Mortality
What it is: An acute awareness of one’s mortality, often accompanied by fear of death or the unknown.
Common triggers:
- Aging, illness, or the death of a loved one.
- Encountering reminders of human impermanence (e.g., news of global disasters).
Signs:
- Fear or anxiety about death and the afterlife.
- Preoccupation with legacy or what comes after life ends.
Crisis of Freedom and Responsibility
What it is: A feeling of being overwhelmed by the burden of freedom and the responsibility to make choices that shape your life.
Common triggers:
- Realizing you have the power to choose but fear making the “wrong” decisions.
- Feeling trapped by previous choices or societal expectations.
Signs:
- Indecision and overthinking.
- Anxiety about missed opportunities or paths not taken.
Crisis of Isolation
What it is: A sense of being fundamentally alone, even in relationships, and struggling with the idea that others may never fully understand you.
Common triggers:
- Loss of a close connection or feeling misunderstood by others.
- Reflection on the solitary nature of existence.
Signs:
- Feeling emotionally disconnected from others.
- Seeking, but not finding, a sense of belonging or unity.
Crisis of Purpose
What it is: A struggle to define or pursue meaningful goals in life.
Common triggers:
- Career dissatisfaction, unemployment, or unfulfilled ambitions.
- Feeling like life lacks direction or progress.
Signs:
- Restlessness or boredom with current activities.
- Frustration with unmet expectations.
Crisis of Faith or Belief
What it is: Questioning religious, spiritual, or philosophical beliefs that once provided comfort or meaning.
Common triggers:
- Exposure to new ideas or perspectives.
- Personal or societal tragedies that challenge beliefs.
Signs:
- Doubt about previously held convictions.
- Searching for alternative frameworks of meaning.
Crisis of Relational Connection
What it is: Questioning the depth and meaning of personal relationships and their role in your life.
Common triggers:
- Breakups, divorce, or strained family relationships.
- Feeling unfulfilled in friendships or partnerships.
Signs:
- Emotional distance or dissatisfaction in relationships.
- Questioning the value of connections and intimacy.
For example; Leroy and El Destiny’s story ties into the theme of relational connection, as their emotional struggles and reflections on past relationships trigger a deeper existential questioning about love, intimacy, and personal connections.
Crisis of Existential Dread (General Existential Angst)
What it is: A broad sense of unease about existence itself, not tied to any specific trigger.
Common triggers:
- Exposure to existential ideas or philosophical concepts.
- A sense of randomness or chaos in the universe.
Signs:
- Persistent feelings of dread or discomfort.
- Difficulty reconciling the idea of living in a seemingly indifferent or absurd world.
What do we gain from existential Crisis?
An existential crisis, while often challenging and distressing, can have significant positive aspects. Here’s why an existential crisis can be beneficial:
Promotes Deep Self-Reflection
- Encourages introspection about your values, beliefs, and goals.
- Helps identify what truly matters in your life, leading to greater authenticity.
Catalyst for Personal Growth
- Forces you to confront fears, doubts, and limitations, which can build resilience.
- Often leads to a more profound understanding of yourself and the world.
Fosters Meaningful Change
- Encourages you to reevaluate priorities and make life changes that align with your authentic self.
- This may lead to pursuing more fulfilling relationships, careers, or creative pursuits.
Enhances Awareness of Freedom and Responsibility
- Highlights your ability to make choices and take control of your life.
- Encourages you to live intentionally, making conscious decisions rather than following societal norms blindly.
Strengthens Emotional and Spiritual Resilience
- Teaches you to accept uncertainty and impermanence, fostering inner peace.
- Can lead to spiritual growth or a renewed connection with your faith or philosophy.
Inspires Creativity and Innovation
- The questioning process can spark creative ideas and new ways of thinking.
- Many artists, writers, and philosophers have drawn inspiration from existential crises.
Deepens Empathy and Connection
- Experiencing such profound questioning often makes you more empathetic toward others facing similar struggles.
- Builds stronger, more meaningful relationships as you seek authentic connections.
Facilitates a Shift Toward Gratitude
- Confronting mortality and meaninglessness can make you appreciate life’s small joys and moments of beauty.
- Encourages living in the present rather than dwelling on the past or future.
Prepares You for Future Challenges
- Learning to navigate the discomfort of an existential crisis equips you with tools to handle other life challenges.
- Builds a sense of courage to face uncertainty head-on.
Encourages Living with Purpose
- Forces you to define or redefine your purpose, leading to a more intentional and rewarding life.
- Shifts focus from superficial goals to deeper, more meaningful pursuits.
What do we lose due to an Existential Crisis?
Emotional Turmoil
- Intense feelings of anxiety, fear, or dread about life’s meaning or purpose.
- Can lead to a sense of hopelessness, sadness, or despair.
Paralysis and Indecision
- Overthinking existential questions can cause “analysis paralysis,” making it hard to take action or make decisions.
- Fear of making the “wrong choice” may lead to inaction or procrastination.
Feelings of Isolation
- The nature of existential questioning can make people feel disconnected from others who may not share the same struggles.
- Difficult to express or communicate these feelings, leading to loneliness.
Loss of Motivation
- Struggling with questions of purpose can drain energy and motivation for daily tasks.
- Activities that once brought joy or fulfilment may feel meaningless.
Disruption of Routine and Stability
- An existential crisis can throw off routines, work-life balance, and relationships.
- Struggling with deep questions may lead to neglecting responsibilities or commitments.
Potential for Mental Health Issues
- Existential crises can worsen or amplify mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and may even lead to suicidal thoughts.
Conflict with Beliefs or Identity
- Questioning long-held beliefs can lead to confusion and internal conflict.
- May result in an identity crisis or difficulty reconciling different aspects of yourself.
Difficulty Finding Answers
- Existential questions often have no clear or definitive answers, which can be frustrating.
- This ambiguity can intensify feelings of unease or futility.
Strain on Relationships
- A preoccupation with existential concerns may create distance in relationships.
- Partners, friends, or family might struggle to understand or empathize, causing further isolation.
Focus on Mortality and Impermanence
- Facing the reality of death and the transient nature of life can be overwhelming and terrifying.
- This can lead to unhealthy fixation or avoidance behaviours.
Potential for Cynicism or Nihilism
- Prolonged existential questioning might lead to a nihilistic outlook, where everything feels pointless.
- This perspective can erode hope and connection to others.
Impact on Career or Ambitions
- Losing a sense of purpose can disrupt career goals or derail long-term plans.
- Feelings of dissatisfaction might lead to abrupt changes that have unintended consequences.
CONCLUSION: Coping with the Downsides
While the positive aspects of an existential awakening can be enlightening and therapeutic, dealing with its downsides can be significantly more difficult.
In severe cases, individuals experiencing an existential crisis may resort to self-harm or destructive behaviour. While these challenges are real, they can be managed with self-awareness, strong support systems, and therapeutic methods such as existential or cognitive-behavioural therapy. Recognizing that this phase is temporary can also lessen its impact.
If you resonate with any symptoms that weigh you down, remember, that you don’t have to face this journey alone. It’s important to have the courage to reach out for support.
Ultimately, the mind shapes both the positive and negative experiences of life. Therefore, it’s crucial to nourish your mind with positive thoughts and emotions, embracing the empowering aspects of existentialism rather than letting it overwhelm you.