In existentialism, a philosophical trend that emerged in Europe in the XX century, the crisis is called Existential Crisis / American Psychological Association a turning point in a person's life when he is faced with the need to find his main goal and take responsibility for the choice made. In a broader sense, an existential crisis is understood as any period during which a person wonders about the meaning of his existence.
Usually a crisis occurs What Is an Existential Crisis? / Verywell Mind due to important life events:
These events are often associated with anxiety about death. They make a person feel as if he is losing the meaning of life and is unable to create it.
During a crisis, you can face a whole range of emotions and experiences:
You can 6 Ways to Overcome an Existential Crisis / Cleveland Clinic ask yourself a lot of questions related to the meaning of existence — for example, why do you do your job. Austrian psychologist Viktor Frankl told about another sign of an existential crisis — "Sunday neurosis Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning / Goodreads ». This is the devastation that people feel at the end of the working week when they don't have to deal with urgent matters.
An existential crisis is not the same 6 Ways to Overcome an Existential Crisis / Cleveland Clinic that depression. People in these states may experience similar feelings, but an important event usually leads to an existential crisis, and depression rarely occurs for only one reason. Its development is linked What Is Depression? / American Psychiatric Association with a malfunction of neurotransmitters, genetic factors and certain personality traits — for example, low self-esteem.
Yes, you are going through a difficult period. But you can use the situation to change something in your life and become happier. For example, existentialists believed that anxiety is an inevitable part of life that can teach a person important lessons. And the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard wrote back in 1844 P. Slater. Anxiety: The Dizziness of Freedom—The Developmental Factors of Anxiety as Seen through the Lens of Psychoanalytic Thinking / R. Woolfolk, L. Allen, et al (Eds.). Psychopathology — An International and Interdisciplinary Perspective that people simply cannot develop without worry.
Don't ignore your emotions — this way you will make them even stronger Psychologists find the meaning of aggression: “Monty Python” scene helps research / Science Daily . In addition, scientists suggest that suppressing feelings increases B. P. Chapman, K. Fiscella, et al. Emotion suppression and mortality risk over a 12-year follow-up / Journal of Psychosomatic Research the risk of getting cancer and even dying prematurely.
It may seem to you that nothing good is happening around. But this is definitely not the case. Start a gratitude diary — write down in it what pleases you and fills the days with meaning. Stick to simple rules:
Gratitude will add Giving thanks can make you happier / Harvard Health Publishing optimism and will help you to take a more positive attitude to life.
In a crisis, you may feel lonely. But do not shut yourself off from people, but, on the contrary, try to communicate with them more often. Talk to friends and family members — perhaps some of them have had a similar experience and can support you. If severe feelings do not go away for several months or you have suicidal thoughts, contact a psychotherapist. It will help to cope with this condition.
Take time not only for routine activities, but also for what gives you joy — whether it's walking, reading books or playing with children.
Keep the balance The Wheel of Life / Mind Tools between different aspects of life. Then, if something goes wrong in one area, it will be easier to transfer it. For example, if you have lost your job, redirect your energy to other things — devote more time to your family or find a hobby.
Try not to constantly analyze what you did wrong. Regrets won't change the past. Instead of digging into your memories, think about what you can do now. Imagine in which direction your life should develop. Perhaps this will allow you to decide on specific actions.
This does not mean that they are not worth looking for in principle. But there are simply no unambiguous answers to some questions. A universal explanation of the meaning of life has not yet been invented.
Define your values — it can be health, love, justice, self-development, implementation in work. Understanding what is really important to you will help you prioritize, make decisions and move towards the life you dream of.
