Existential Crisis: Signs We Are Facing One

Existential crises are periods of emotional instability that can occur at any time in life. They are characterized, mainly, by internal conflicts loaded with doubts, melancholy and loneliness.

Although the existential crisis is a phase of so much sadness and uncertainties, it can also promote a great leap towards self-knowledge, resulting in a much more balanced life through personal growth.

For a better understanding of this subject, I have prepared this article, in which I address some of the main signs that indicate the presence of this emotional imbalance and how to face it. This is just my personal research and observation of life as a continuous seeker to something better for my own life!

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Signs of the existential crisis

Usually, the existential crisis develops from an event with a strong impact, such as the loss of a job, the death of a beloved one, the end of a romantic relationship, among others. Each individual has his own way of acting and feeling these situations. In this sense, the symptoms of an emotional imbalance vary, even for the same person, at different times in life. Here are some of the main signs.

1. Anxiety

Doubts about how to act in the face of remarkable events generate fear and uncertainty about the future. The person is often invaded by a feeling of being lost, not knowing what to do. The main reason for anxiety is the future and uncertain projection of what may happen. This causes emotional suffering with excessive worries, not always real.

2. Mental exhaustion

This is one of the most common signs of the existential crisis. Mental fatigue occurs due to the great amount of thoughts and afflictions. Just as muscles need to relax, the mind also needs a break to replenish its energies, otherwise it suffers from an increase in stress that can trigger numerous physical and mental illnesses.

3. Lack of desire to socialize

With the mind always agitated, the person seeks to isolate himself to try to find a balance in his thoughts. This eliminates the willingness to engage in social programs, or with friends or family.

The predominant desire, in these cases, is to stay in bed, listening to music or watching movies and avoid any kind of contact. This isolation eliminates the possibilities of getting out of the crisis. Dialogue and venting are important ways for ideas to be organized and for people to be able to see solutions to problems.

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4. Discouragement and pessimism

Existential conflicts generate a great sense of discouragement, with negative thoughts. As there is no concrete motivation for the person to feel that way, doubts provoke pessimistic ideas.

Thus, the individual begins to reflect on his life, questioning the decisions and values he adopted until that moment. However, often the lack of answers to internal questions can lead to a feeling of powerlessness to solve the problems that afflict them.

5. Changes in appetite and sleep

In addition to changes in mood, anxiety and constant nervousness are also responsible for harmful effects on the body, such as disturbances in appetite and sleep.

Some people start to eat rampant when they feel anxious, while others may develop anorexia. Likewise, some suffer from insomnia, while others sleep excessively. The sum of the problems generates organic imbalances that cause a decrease in the immune system and originate several diseases.

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How to overcome the crisis

Because the existential crisis consists of a conflict of reflection on the individual nature, an exercise capable of helping to overcome this moment is self-questioning in a rational way. Thus, it is important to ask yourself about the real reasons for the conflicting feelings. This is the first step in finding possible solutions and emotionally rebalancing.

In addition, it is essential to express doubts and thoughts through dialogue. In this sense, friends or family members can help to see ways out of the crisis.

However, when the existential crisis is very intense and the person cannot overcome it, he should seek the help of a psychologist - a trained professional to advise on how to deal with adversity and help in solving problems that apparently have no solution.

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Picture credits: The pictures used in this publication can be found on these sites: The New York Times, Upworthy, YouTube.