An existential crisis is a period during which we experience a deep unease about the meaning of our life, identity, or purpose, accompanied by persistent doubts that often generate confusion, anxiety, or demotivation.
And sooner or later, most of us go through that existential crisis, especially when unexpected situations occur that cause a 180-degree turn and generate a deep existential anguish.
These events often come loaded with a large dose of confusion and uncertainty, sweeping away our emotional stability in one fell swoop, but they can also become a turning point to radically change our lives, set new goals, reinvent ourselves, or take that step we always wanted but didn’t dare to take.
What exactly is an existential crisis?
Crises occur when we lack the necessary psychological resources to cope with a given situation. Existential crises, in particular, arise when we question the meaning of our lives and cannot find satisfactory answers.
It can be described as persistent negative feelings and emotions linked to doubts about the inherent meaning of life and existence. In fact, this concept comes from existentialism, a philosophical movement that focuses on exploring the meaning of human existence and its purpose in a world that often seems chaotic and devoid of meaning.
In many cases, an existential crisis is a psychological reaction to a life event, whether real or imagined, that has had a profound impact and made us feel alone or helpless. At that point, we may begin to question the meaning of our lives, what is truly important, where we are going, or what we will do with our existence.
Although these are questions we’ve all asked ourselves at some point, they take on an urgent character during an existential crisis. They torment and obsess us, generating an intense state of anguish and unease.
When we don’t find answers that satisfy us, we can feel angry, powerless, anxious, or even depressed. For some people, it can be a terrifying experience, as they feel completely alone and lost in a universe they perceive as random and meaningless. In fact, an existential crisis can lead to existential depression.
However, it can also be an opportunity for self-discovery and growth. Existential crises often have a positive effect, allowing us to discover what is truly important in our lives or to find a new purpose that completely fulfills us and motivates us to move forward with renewed strength.
There are 2 types of existential crises
In a way, one can refer to two types of existential crises, depending on the focus of attention on which the concerns revolve:
- Existential crisis of BEING. It is an identity crisis; that is, it affects the image we have of ourselves. In these cases, most of the questions that plague us revolve around who we are, what we have been, and who we want to become. These are existential crises linked to our deepest values and beliefs.
- Existential crisis of DOING. This crisis has a more pragmatic character, as it leads us to ask ourselves questions such as: What am I doing with my life? Am I content with this life? Am I happy with what I do? It is generally accompanied by existential boredom and the feeling of living in a loop from which we don’t know how to escape, because we feel that social pressures decide for us, regardless of our will.
How can you tell if you’re going through an existential crisis? The most common symptoms
Existential crisis takes on a unique dimension for each person, although some common symptoms can also be detected:
- Nothing seems interesting enough to you anymore. Activities you used to enjoy have lost their appeal and no longer make sense.
- You have a feeling of permanent and general dissatisfaction, even though things are going well for you.
- You feel emotionally drained or experience a constant sense of emptiness and lack of energy.
- You think you need to turn your life around, but you have no idea where to start or how to do it.
- You feel alone in a universe that seems too big, alien, confusing, and meaningless.
- You experience a feeling of alienation from yourself. You don’t recognize yourself in the person you are and you question your values and beliefs.
- You begin to wonder if you have skipped some stages of your life or suspect that you are missing many experiences to live, which causes you anguish.
- You question the most important decisions you’ve made, from choosing your profession to your romantic relationship, and you feel like you’ve chosen the wrong path.
- You feel fear and anxiety about the future because when you look ahead you cannot see the path clearly.
- You are more aware of your mortality. You assume that death could come at any moment, which causes you great unease.
- You have the feeling that everything you’ve done has been in vain or pointless. In fact, sometimes you may feel as if you haven’t lived at all.
How to differentiate an existential crisis from anxiety or depression?
It’s not always easy to distinguish an existential crisis from other mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. Although they may share symptoms like worry, lack of motivation, tension, and sadness, their origin and how they affect your life are different.
While depression tends to envelop your mood persistently and anxiety maintains a constant level of tension or fear, existential crisis focuses on questions about the meaning, identity, and purpose of your life.
| PROBLEM | MAIN FEATURE |
| Existential crisis | Questioning the meaning of life |
| Depression | persistent state of sadness and functional incapacity |
| Anxiety | Excessive worry and chronic tension |
Why do existential crises occur? The 3 main causes
Existential crises are related to the process of growth and maturation , so they can occur at any point in life, except for childhood. In fact, they are common in youth, as research conducted at the University of Derby confirmed – a stage in which we must find our place in the world – but they can also occur in adulthood or old age, especially as we approach death.
1. Life transitions
Major life changes, such as ending a relationship, changing careers, moving to a new city, or reaching a significant milestone, often trigger profound questions about identity and purpose. These transitions disrupt routine and stability, which can lead us to ask ourselves, “Am I on the right path?” or “What’s the point of what I’m doing?” In other words, an external change often sparks intense internal questioning.
2. Experiences of loss or grief
Losing a loved one, a job, or even a significant opportunity can create a sense of emptiness that goes beyond immediate pain. Grief and loss force us to confront our mortality and vulnerability, prompting reflections on the meaning of life and our place in it. These crises are often intense, but they can also open the door to a reevaluation of personal priorities and goals.
3. Lack of satisfaction with personal achievements
Some crises arise when we perceive that our goals or achievements don’t align with our expectations. This might involve feeling professionally stagnant, failing to reach educational goals, or feeling that daily efforts lack purpose. This type of crisis pushes individuals to re-examine their objectives and what truly matters, sometimes acting as a catalyst for constructive change.
However, it’s not always possible to pinpoint a specific event. In those cases, the existential crisis simmers, often fueled by feelings of loneliness, emptiness, and/or dissatisfaction with what we’ve done so far or the person we’ve become.
What are the consequences of a life crisis?
Obviously, we don’t all experience existential crises in the same way. Some people recover quickly, while others are plunged into a long, destabilizing period. Some develop a negative view of themselves, the world, and the future, which can trigger psychological problems such as depression or even suicidal thoughts.
The extreme emotional vulnerability we experience during an existential crisis, coupled with feelings of disconnection and a sense of meaninglessness, makes it difficult to find meaning in things, which is why some people fall into the black hole of abulia and anhedonia.
However, in most cases, existential crises end up being positive experiences that change our worldview. In a sense, an existential crisis is a call from our deepest self, an opportune moment to better understand what lies beneath the surface of our consciousness. They are a call to pause and step off autopilot .
During an existential crisis, we can rediscover truths we buried for years while we were too busy fulfilling societal expectations. In fact, Carl Jung believed that we spend the first half of our lives developing our ego, while the second half integrating the unconscious and becoming who we truly are. For this reason, this transitional period often triggers an existential crisis.
How to overcome an existential crisis? 5 psychological techniques that work
In general, to overcome an existential crisis, it’s important not to let ourselves be defeated and to focus on the freedom of choice. We may not be satisfied with what we’ve done or we may not like the person we’ve become, but we have the power to change it here and now, one step at a time.
Some of the psychological techniques I propose, which are usually very useful for coping with this period, are:
- Structured reflection. Dedicate a few minutes each day to writing your thoughts and emotions in a journal. Ask yourself, “What is really bothering me?” and “What aspects of my life have meaning for me?” Reflecting on what you feel, instead of ignoring it, will help you separate the automatic thoughts that only create mental noise and alleviate feelings of distress, as a study conducted at the University of Gothenburg found.
- Redefine your goals and values. Review your short- and long-term objectives, analyzing whether they reflect what you truly want, not what others expect of you. Set achievable goals that give you a sense of control and direction to reduce feelings of emptiness.
- Seek meaningful experiences. Engaging in activities that foster connection or ignite your creativity and passion will provide you with a sense of purpose and meaning. This could be volunteering, but also a sport, artistic projects, or learning something new. This conscious action toward what you value counteracts feelings of existential emptiness.
- Embrace uncertainty. Part of the existential crisis stems from not having all the answers. Therefore, you need to learn to tolerate uncertainty and accept that some questions may remain unanswered. This will reduce your anxiety and allow you to move forward.
- Time distance. Don’t get stuck on how you feel now; project yourself into the future. Imagine different ways the situation could evolve, from the most likely to the most optimistic or pessimistic. Think about how you would feel in each scenario. This will give you answers about what you want.
Viewing the existential crisis as a turning point to begin leading a fuller and more meaningful life will help us overcome that stage of doubts and questioning and even emerge stronger, with a new vision and mission of ourselves and the world.
References:
Pavlidis, D. & Tragantzopoulou, P. (2025) Living in Limbo: Existential Concerns Among Greek Young Adults. Youth; 5(3): 94.
Erling, I. et. al. (2025) Pathways to change in existential group treatment: experiences from older adults with psychological distress in primary care. BMC Geriatr; 25: 504.
Butėnaitė, J. et. Al. (2016) Components of existential crisis: a theoretical analysis. International Journal of Psychology: Biopsychosocial Approach; 18: 9-27.
Yang, W. et. Al. (2010) Existential crisis and the awareness of dying: the role of meaning and spirituality. Omega (Westport); 61(1):53-69.
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