Confronting the Void: Managing The Existential Crisis
- Sasha Javadpour
- Apr 3
- 9 min read
Updated: Apr 3
An existential crisis often emerges as the realization that something in life is no longer working – that the current trajectory no longer aligns with the authentic self. This awareness creates an internal conflict between who one has been and who one might become. Many describe this experience as a building pressure, an urgent need to change, yet the idea of stepping into the unknown feels like standing at the edge of a cliff. The fear of losing stability, identity, or certainty can be paralysing.
At Hirsch Therapy, we help turn that looming "jump" into a gentle and gradual transition. Rather than an abrupt leap into uncertainty, we focus on creating clarity and confidence, allowing change to feel like a natural and intentional shift toward something better. Through thoughtful exploration and tailored support, we help individuals navigate this process with a sense of direction, ensuring that growth feels less like free-fall and more like stepping onto solid ground.
In this article, we explore what an existential crisis is, what triggers it, and how it manifests in our thoughts and emotions. We also discuss practical ways to navigate and manage these feelings, including the role therapy can play in helping you regain meaning and direction in your life.
Content:
What is an Existential Crisis?
An existential crisis can be a deeply unsettling and often confusing experience where the individual is forced to confront fundamental questions about meaning, purpose, and direction of their life. It is a moment of profound self-reflection that challenges one's sense of self and place in the world, prompting questions like, "Who am I?", "What am I doing with my life?" or "What is the point of all this?"
As they go through this intense period of reflection, individuals may encounter three distinct types of existential crises: midlife crisis, identity crisis, and crisis of meaning.
A midlife crisis is a common form of existential crisis, typically occurring around the age of 50, where you may start questioning the value and accomplishments of your life. It's a time for introspection, often leading to thoughts of missed opportunities, unrealized dreams, or a growing awareness of aging.
An identity crisis focuses on questioning your true self and the roles you play in life. During this crisis, you may grapple with what you truly believe in, what your values are, and how you fit within society, leading to a re-evaluation of your personal and social identity.
A crisis of meaning occurs when there is a sense of disconnection between your daily life and a deeper purpose. It’s a search for more meaning and fulfilment, often leading you to seek a greater sense of belonging, contribution, and connection to something larger than yourself.
What Brings About an Existential Crisis?
An existential crisis occurs when individuals begin to question the fundamental meaning, purpose, and direction of their lives, often triggered by significant shifts in perspective. These shifts can come at various points in life, such as reaching major age milestones or undergoing changes in values, relationships, or spirituality. Such events force individuals to confront the uncertainty of existence and the realization that life is finite and unpredictable.
Beyond specific triggers, an existential crisis can also arise from a growing sense of dissatisfaction or a struggle to find meaning in everyday experiences. Theorists like Irvin Yalom and Rollo May suggest that these crises often stem from the tension between a person's need for stability and the chaotic, uncertain nature of life, pushing individuals to explore deeper questions of freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning.
Events that can bring about an existential crisis include:
Loss or grief: The death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the loss of a job can spark an existential crisis, making one question life's impermanence and fragility.
Major life transitions: Experiences like turning a certain age (e.g., a midlife crisis), changing careers, or becoming a parent may lead to deep questioning about life’s meaning and the choices we make.
Trauma or existential threats: A life-threatening illness, a near-death experience, or personal trauma can leave a person questioning the fundamental nature of their existence and their place in the universe.
Feelings of emptiness or stagnation: A sense of existential boredom, meaninglessness, or the realization that life feels unfulfilled or disconnected from one's true self can ignite an existential crisis.
Signs and Symptoms of an Existential Crisis
An existential crisis can stir up a range of emotional and behavioural changes, from a deep sense of emptiness to a sudden search for spiritual or philosophical answers. This crisis can make everyday life feel disconnected and lead to confusion, self-doubt, and a re-evaluation of personal values and beliefs.
It is, therefore, important to recognise the signs and symptoms as they occur to you.
This crisis can manifest in various forms, often triggered by significant life events or periods of transition. As individuals navigate this challenging moment, early signs can include impulsive decisions such as buying a luxury car, obsessing over a new hobby, or making dramatic changes in appearance or lifestyle - attempts to seek fulfilment or redefine their identity. For some, this may also involve reevaluating relationships or seeking validation through external means.
Common signs and symptoms of an existential crisis:
Feelings of emptiness: A sense that something is missing, despite having everything you thought you needed. This is usually followed by an intense urge to fill the void - some purchase a luxury car, some into a new hobby, and make dramatic change in lifestyle.
Feeling alienated: A disconnection from the world or feeling out of place in familiar surroundings.
A sense of futility: Questioning the value or worth of your efforts, making tasks feel meaningless or like an uphill battle.
A deep longing for meaning: A desire for a higher purpose or more profound connection to life. This often manifests as a sudden interest in philosophical or spiritual matters:
Unexplained changes in your daily routine: Shifts in how you feel about waking up, going to work, or socializing.
Withdrawal and disconnection: Withdrawing from social circles; feeling disconnected or drained by social interaction.
Anxiety and fear: Intense feelings of anxiety or fear of the unknown.
Depression: A sense of sadness or meaninglessness, leading to disconnection from life and others.
Confusion and self-doubt: Struggling with questions of who you are and what your purpose is.
Anger or frustration: Experiencing frustration over the lack of clarity or direction in your life.
Apathy: A lack of motivation or interest in things that once mattered, contributing to emotional numbness.
Preventing an Existential Crisis
While it is normal, and often healthy, to occasionally wrestle with questions of meaning, there are ways to buffer ourselves against a full-blown existential crisis. By taking intentional steps to build a sense of purpose, emotional resilience, and stability, we can prevent these moments of uncertainty from spiralling into deeper feelings of confusion or despair.
Here are some strategies to help safeguard against an existential crisis before it takes hold:
Cultivate a Sense of Purpose: Having a clear sense of what matters to you can provide stability and direction. Regularly reflect on your values, goals, and what makes you feel fulfilled, and stay connected to those sources of purpose as life evolves.
Embrace Change and Uncertainty: Life is filled with unpredictable shifts. By learning to accept uncertainty and viewing change as a natural part of growth, you can reduce the anxiety that often accompanies it. Practice flexibility and build resilience in the face of life's ups and downs.
Maintain Strong Connections: Loneliness or a lack of meaningful relationships can trigger existential doubts. Surround yourself with supportive people who understand and uplift you. Meaningful interactions provide a sense of belonging and can offer reassurance during times of inner questioning.
Engage in Regular Self-Reflection: Check in with yourself frequently about your emotional state, your goals, and your sense of direction. Journaling, meditation, or therapy are great tools to help you stay attuned to your internal world and catch signs of inner conflict before they snowball into a full existential crisis.
Balance Personal Growth and Stability: While growth and ambition are important, having a stable foundation is equally crucial. Ensure that your life includes moments of peace and stability where you can recharge and reset rather than feeling constantly pressured to achieve or change.
Nurture Emotional Well-Being: Pay attention to your emotional health and seek help when needed. Unresolved stress, unresolved grief, or deep-seated fears about the unknown can snowball into an existential crisis. Practicing mindfulness, engaging in regular self-care, and seeking professional support can help mitigate overwhelming feelings before they escalate.
Managing an Existential Crisis
Experiencing an existential crisis can feel disorienting, as it often shakes the very foundation of your beliefs, values, and sense of self. If you find yourself grappling with feelings of uncertainty, meaninglessness, or despair, it’s important to recognize that this is a process that can be navigated with patience and care. While it may feel overwhelming, there are practical steps you can take to regain a sense of control and clarity.
Strategies for managing an existential crisis in the moment:
Identify the Conflict and the Question at Heart: Understanding the root of your existential crisis is crucial.
Ask yourself: “What am I wrestling with? Is it a sense of meaninglessness? A fear of death or change? A disconnection from your values or goals?”
Pinpointing the exact nature of your crisis can provide a clearer path forward. You may find that the conflict is not with life itself but with an aspect of your experience that needs attention or change. Acknowledging and defining the question at the heart of the crisis can help you begin to untangle the overwhelming emotions.
Engage in Reflection: Journaling can be a powerful tool during an existential crisis. Writing about your thoughts, fears, and doubts allows you to express what you may not yet fully understand or have not been able to articulate. The process of putting your thoughts and emotions on paper can bring clarity, helping you see patterns in your thinking and gain insight into your internal conflict. It can also give you space to explore potential solutions or new perspectives without feeling pressured. Reflective writing invites contemplation and understanding, which are key to finding resolution.
Connect with Loved Ones: During a time of existential crisis, it’s easy to feel isolated, but it’s important to lean on the people who matter most. Our loved ones help mirror who we are, often providing us with insights and perspectives that we may have overlooked. Talking to a trusted friend or family member about your feelings can remind you that you are not alone, and their support can offer comfort and reassurance. Sometimes, simply being heard can help you find the words or clarity you need to begin making sense of your feelings.
Explore the World: An existential crisis often leads us to question the beliefs or philosophies that we’ve adhered to for most of our lives. During this time, it can be helpful to explore a variety of ideas and worldviews to see if something resonates with you. Read philosophical texts, engage with new cultural perspectives, or listen to different viewpoints. There is a vast world of ideas out there, and one might speak directly to your experience, offering a fresh perspective that helps you make sense of the crisis. Sometimes, a new way of thinking can offer just the insight you need.
Self-Care: In moments of uncertainty, it’s easy to neglect your basic needs, but taking care of yourself is crucial during this time. If you’re unsure of what direction to take, focus on nurturing your body and mind. Engage in activities that soothe and recharge you – whether it’s a walk in nature, immersing yourself in a hobby, or simply getting enough rest. Taking care of yourself provides the mental and physical strength to confront the existential questions you’re grappling with, and sometimes, in giving yourself the space to breathe, the right path will begin to reveal itself.
Seek Professional Therapy: When the weight of an existential crisis becomes too heavy to carry alone, seeking the guidance of a professional therapist can offer invaluable support. Therapy can help you explore your crisis in depth, provide you with tools to cope with the emotional turbulence, and assist you in reframing your thoughts and beliefs. Talking to a trained professional can also help you process the complex feelings that come with existential questioning, and they can guide you through the process of finding meaning and direction in a way that feels authentic to you.
Find Your Way Forward – Schedule a Session With Hirsch Therapy
If you’re struggling with an existential crisis or simply feeling uncertain about the direction of your life, therapy can provide valuable support. I invite you to schedule a free 15-minute online consultation to explore how Hirsch Therapy can help you navigate these challenging emotions and find deeper meaning in your life. Together, we can work to understand your unique struggles and create a path toward a more authentic and fulfilling existence.
Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Take the first step toward reclaiming your sense of purpose today.
Book a therapy session now to start your journey toward self-discovery and healing.
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