Existential Crises, what are they:
An existential crisis is a period of deep questioning about life, meaning, purpose, and existence itself. It often arises when a person confronts fundamental uncertainties about their identity, the nature of reality, or their place in the universe. These crises can be triggered by major life events, trauma, intense philosophical inquiry, or even experiences that shake a person’s beliefs about reality.
Common Themes in Existential Crises:
- Meaninglessness — Feeling that life lacks inherent purpose or significance.
- Mortality & Death — Confronting the reality of one’s own impermanence.
- Isolation — A sense of being alone in the universe or disconnected from others.
- Free Will vs. Determinism — Questioning whether choices truly matter or if everything is predetermined.
- The Nature of Reality — Wondering whether what we perceive is real or just an illusion.
Triggers for Existential Crises:
- The death of a loved one
- A near-death experience
- Major life changes (career shifts, relationships, aging)
- Encounters with deep philosophical or spiritual questions
- Profound mystical, paranormal, or altered-state experiences
How People Cope with Existential Crises:
- Philosophical exploration (reading thinkers like Nietzsche, Camus, or Kierkegaard)
- Spiritual or religious reflection (seeking meaning through faith or metaphysics)
- Creative expression (art, music, or writing as a way to process emotions)
- Psychological or therapeutic approaches (existential therapy, mindfulness, or deep introspection)
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 