Life in general comes with a lot of challenges and worries that are often inevitable, and worrying about them becomes unnecessary. However, if you find yourself constantly worried about your existence and how much time you might have left in this world, then you are experiencing what experts call existential anxiety. Which is an unpleasant place to be in because you don’t really have control over those factors.
Medical News Today, an online health publication describes existential anxiety as the fear or panic of realising how limited life is. It states that existential anxiety can be triggered by thoughts of death, the meaninglessness of existence, or the insignificance of oneself.
The publication further explains that existentialist ideas centre on the meaning, purpose, and mortality of existence. They might have a good or bad impact, but because they draw attention to how frail life is, some might see them negatively. “They might give some people a feeling of direction or significance in an otherwise chaotic and uncertain world. The knowledge that everyone must face death at some point may comfort others.”
Causes
According to the Charlie Health information hub, existential dread often results from experiencing a near-death experience or the death of a loved one. Dr Caroline Fenkel, chief clinical officer and co-founder of Charlie Health, states that life transitions can also trigger or exacerbate existential anxiety. Such as a shift that makes you wonder about your role in the world and the significance you give it. “This could be quitting a job that is deeply connected to your identity or having a falling out with a close friend or family member.” Caroline further claims that significant changes in one’s professional trajectory, unfavourable health outcomes, and changes in one’s social circle can all serve as triggers for existential anxiety.
This type of anxiety is said to also be brought on by co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, or other conditions related to trauma, according to the clinical officer mentioned above.
What it looks like
The medical and well-being publication, Healthline states that these are some of the signs that define a person with existential angst;
- Feeling constant fear, anxiety, or panic
- Doubting your decisions, principles, or beliefs
- Feeling that life will always be hard
- Fixation on existential concepts
- Avoiding everyday tasks,
- Breaking relationships with others, experiencing loneliness,
- Feeling remorse, or shame, or believing that life has no purpose
How to cope
Talk about it: According to Healthline, you can process your existential dread and release the intense pressure to find a solution by talking to others who have similar thoughts. “It’s likely that anyone you consult has thought about some of these same issues and has reached a conclusion differently.” It is also claimed that when you feel most alone and helpless, other people’s wisdom might help you gain perspective and strengthen your sense of connection.
Practise mindfulness: The Choosing Therapy publication states that by focusing on the here and now instead of becoming caught up in your thoughts about the past or the future, you can conquer this anxiety. It is further explained that being attentive involves accepting things as they are without passing judgment on them as good or negative and using your senses to help you stay grounded in the present moment. “This allows you to respond to problems thoughtfully rather than react emotionally.”
Be grateful: “Keep a Gratitude Journal. End each day by writing about positive things you experienced that day, or pause throughout the day to jot down grateful thoughts as you have them,” suggests the therapy publication above. It also advises that you be grateful for the people and situations in your life as well as the little things, like a lovely flower in bloom in your garden or the sound of kids playing in a nearby park. Choosing Therapy states that you may teach your mind to focus on the positive aspects of life by doing this and that this technique elevates your mood momentarily and improves your perspective on life over time.
