Life can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions, right? One minute you’re on top of the world, the next, you’re questioning the very meaning of your existence.
Welcome to the wild world of existential crises – a phase many of us go through but few of us manage to identify in its early stages.
As a psychology enthusiast writing for the Global English Editing blog, I spend a lot of time diving into the human psyche. And trust me, deciphering an existential crisis is no walk in the park.
But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! In this article, I’ll share seven subtle signs someone is going through an existential crisis. And while I’ll keep it light and conversational, this knowledge might just help you or someone you care about navigate through life’s challenging moments.
So grab a cuppa and get comfortable. Let’s dive in!
1) Questioning life’s purpose
We all have those moments where we wonder, “What’s the point of it all?” But when this question goes from being an occasional curiosity to a constant companion, it could be a sign of an existential crisis.
Psychologists refer to this as a deep questioning of one’s purpose in life. And while it might sound a bit gloomy, it’s actually a pretty common reaction to the complexities of modern life.
In the throes of an existential crisis, people often find themselves deeply introspective. They’re no longer satisfied with surface-level answers and instead start to question their very existence.
So if you or someone you know is suddenly showing an intense interest in the meaning of life, it might be time to take a breather and explore these feelings further. After all, being aware of an existential crisis is the first step towards resolving it.
2) Feeling disconnected
Ever had one of those days where you feel like you’re living in a bubble, detached from everyone around you?
I remember a time when I felt like I was observing my own life from the outside, like I was a mere spectator. It was disconcerting and left me feeling disconnected from my own existence.
This sense of disconnection isn’t just about feeling lonely. It’s more about feeling separate from the world around you, even when you’re surrounded by people. It’s as if you’re lost in your own thoughts, unable to connect with the world outside.
In an existential crisis, this disconnection can make you feel like you’re upsetting yourself by not being able to engage with the world or the people around you.
It can feel isolating and confusing but recognizing it as a potential sign of an existential crisis is a step towards understanding what’s happening.
3) A heightened sense of mortality
Have you ever had an intense realization of your own mortality? This raw and gut-wrenching awareness that life is finite can be a potent sign of an existential crisis.
It’s a feeling that goes beyond the normal awareness of aging. It’s a deep, visceral understanding that our time on this earth is limited, and it can be incredibly overwhelming.
Suddenly, every tick of the clock feels consequential, and the passing of each day can feel like sand slipping through your fingers.
In an existential crisis, this other side becomes glaringly vivid. It’s not necessarily about fearing death, but more about grappling with the reality of it.
If you find yourself contemplating the transience of life more often than not, it may be a sign that you’re navigating through an existentialist crisis. The raw honesty of these feelings can be unsettling, but they reflect a profound engagement with life’s most significant questions.
4) Shift in life values
A significant shift in life values is another subtle sign of an existential crisis. It’s when what used to matter the most to you suddenly feels insignificant and you find yourself searching for new values and meanings.
I remember reading a fascinating study conducted by the American Psychological Association.
The researchers found that individuals going through existential crises often experience a drastic change in their value systems, distancing themselves from societal norms and expectations.
This shift is not about rebelling or being contrarian. It’s a deep-seated feeling that what you once held dear no longer resonates with you.
You might find yourself questioning societal constructs, norms, and values that you once accepted without a second thought.
5) Overwhelming feelings of anxiety
Anxiety is a part and parcel of life, isn’t it? We’ve all had those sleepless nights before an important event. But when that anxiety starts to feel like a constant companion, it could be a sign of something deeper.
Overwhelming feelings of anxiety, even when there’s no apparent reason, can indicate an existential crisis. It’s like you’re constantly on edge, feeling like something’s wrong but not quite sure what it is.
As Carl Rogers, one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century, once said: “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”
In an existential crisis, this process can feel fraught with anxiety. You might find yourself worrying excessively about the future or ruminating on past mistakes.
And while it’s perfectly normal to experience anxiety from time to time, when it becomes all-consuming, it might be a sign of an existential crisis.
Remember, it’s okay to seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. You’re not alone in this.
6) A distinct sense of freedom
Now, this might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out. A distinct and overwhelming sense of freedom can be a subtle sign of an existential crisis.
Yes, freedom – something we all strive for, can become daunting when experienced in excess.
Think about it. When every path is open to you and you have the absolute freedom to choose your way, it can feel paralyzing rather than liberating. The absence of constraints can lead to a sense of aimlessness and a lack of direction.
In an existential crisis, this molding process becomes overwhelming as the sheer number of possibilities can feel daunting. So if you’re feeling paralyzed by your own freedom, don’t brush it off. It could be a sign that you’re going through an existential crisis.
7) Loss of satisfaction
The final subtle sign of an existential crisis is a loss of satisfaction from activities you once enjoyed. This isn’t about being bored or needing a change of pace. It’s a deeper, more profound loss of pleasure that can be hard to pinpoint.
Abraham Maslow, the psychologist famous for his hierarchy of needs, said: “The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.”
When you’re in an existential crisis, it’s hard to be present and find joy in the moment. The things that once brought you happiness may seem unfulfilling.
If you’re feeling this way, take it as a sign to pause and reflect. It could be your mind’s way of signaling an existential crisis.
Final reflections
Navigating through an existential crisis can be a daunting journey. The subtlety of its signs makes it all the more challenging to identify and address. But remember, it’s okay to question, to seek, and to feel overwhelmed.
These signs – from questioning life’s purpose to feeling a distinct sense of freedom – are not just indicators of an existential crisis. They’re hallmarks of a profound engagement with life’s most significant questions.
An existential crisis might feel like you’re lost in a dense forest, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. So if you find yourself relating to these signs, don’t despair. You’re not alone.
Take this as an invitation to pause, reflect and engage with your feelings.
After all, every cloud has a silver lining, and an existential crisis is no different. It’s the beginning of a journey towards understanding yourself and your place in the world in a deeper, more meaningful way.
