The essential question at hand: What does it mean to experience existential dread?
In the vast tapestry of human emotions, existential anxiety stands out as a unique thread. This form of anxiety arises from contemplating existence, the self, and the meaning of life, often leading to feelings of insecurity, dread, isolation, and emptiness.
Existential anxiety is not a formal clinical diagnosis, but it is a normal part of the human condition. It is characterized by an anxiety about fate, death, and awareness of human mortality, a sense of emptiness and meaninglessness in life, and existential guilt for not living up to personal morals. Other symptoms may include excessive worry, physical symptoms such as tightness in the chest, increased heart rate, sweating, nausea, trembling, and panic attacks.
While anxiety is a natural stress response, disproportionate levels may indicate an anxiety disorder. In the case of existential anxiety, the symptoms can be heightened during an existential crisis or related to existential OCD, where intrusive thoughts about existence impair daily functioning.
Doctors may refer to existential anxiety as an existential crisis. They may base their diagnosis on a person's symptoms, thoughts, and feelings. There is no specific test to diagnose existential anxiety, but therapy can help individuals work through these complex emotions.
Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist who survived Nazi concentration camps, developed existential therapy to help people find meaning in life. This form of therapy helps people identify and embrace their freedom and the challenges of the human condition. Through therapy, a person can learn how to find meaning in their lives and cope with the challenges of being human.
Management and treatment of existential anxiety often involve psychological therapies such as Existential Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These therapies help process fears about meaning, mortality, and existence and aid in finding acceptance and purpose.
Wellness strategies such as journaling, mindfulness meditation, and relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises can also help reduce anxiety symptoms. Professional support from therapists specializing in anxiety, depression, or existential issues is essential. They can provide coping strategies and therapeutic interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Social support and open conversations about mortality and meaning with trusted loved ones can help reduce isolation and anxiety. By sharing our existential thoughts and feelings, we can find comfort and understanding, making the journey through life a little less daunting.
Remember, existential thoughts can provide a sense of purpose or meaning for some individuals. They can help us understand our place in the world and find the strength to face life's challenges. So, rather than shying away from these thoughts, embrace them, and let them guide you towards a more fulfilling life.
[1] Existential Anxiety: Understanding and Managing the Existential Crisis. (2021). Verywell Mind. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-existential-anxiety-4172211
[2] Existential anxiety: Symptoms, causes, and treatment. (2021). Medical News Today. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324310
[3] Existential Anxiety: What It Is and How to Overcome It. (2020). Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/existential-anxiety
[4] Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man's search for meaning: An introduction to logotherapy. Beacon Press.
[5] Yalom, I. D. (2008). Existential therapy. Basic Books.
- In the realm of science that explores human emotions, existential anxiety presents a distinct aspect, often instilling feelings of insecurity, dread, isolation, and emptiness.
- Existential anxiety, while not a formal medical diagnosis, is a common experience for many, stemming from thoughts about existence, the self, and the meaning of life.
- People grapple with existential anxiety when pondering concepts such as fate, death, and human mortality, accompanying it with a sense of life's meaninglessness and personal guilt.
- Symptoms coupled with such anxiety might include excessive worrying, physical symptoms like chest tightness, increased heart rate, and panic attacks.
- In the case of an existential crisis or existential OCD, these feelings may intensify to the level of an anxiety disorder, potentially impacting daily activities.
- For those facing existential anxiety, therapy such as Existential Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) might offer relief by aiding in processing fears and finding acceptance and purpose.
- Other practices like journaling, mindfulness meditation, and deep breathing exercises can also serve to mitigate symptoms of anxiety, while professional support from therapists specializing in anxiety or existential issues proves crucial for coping strategies and tailored interventions.
- Cultivating social support through open conversations and sharing existential thoughts with loved ones can help reduce anxiety, creating a sense of comfort and understanding for one's journey through life.
- Embracing existential thoughts as opportunities rather than threats may lead to a deeper sense of purpose and meaning, providing encouragement and guidance in facing life's challenges.
