Existential crisis: when we do not find meaning in life

The existential crisis It is one of those problematic phenomena that seem to be unrelated to the material conditions in which we live.

It can appear at any time in life, it also affects people with extensive resources economical and can even be experienced by seemingly successful men and women with a good image Social. In fact, one can have everything that Western civilization regards as fundamental goals of human life, like wealth, love and knowledge, but the existential crisis will still be there, relentless.

When the old mind-sets no longer work, the person experiencing an existential crisis feels that they no longer work. he knows the path he must follow in life, nor can he visualize the goals he must pursue to achieve personal self-actualization. This can be mentally draining and cause psychological disorders if the situation is not resolved correctly. On the contrary, if the individual passes this stage of life, he perceives that he has grown as a human being and that he is now another person

stronger and more prepared to face difficulties that can be presented on a day-to-day basis.

Existential crisis: And now... what do I do with my life?

The existential crisis manifests itself with intense feelings of psychological discomfort due to the fact that the individual begins to question the reasons for their own existence. It can also be said that the existential crisis is, basically, a identity crisis. It occurs when everything that we thought was under control ceases to be. Our worldview is unexpectedly clouded, and our view of life needs updating because it is out of date. So we ask ourselves: what am I doing here? or What is the meaning of my life? Something that so far we seemed to have very clear.

Almost without realizing it, a new dawn envelops us, and we have to leave the comfort zone to face the new reality. Existential crises lead us to self-reflection, and supposes us a emotional cost because the resources that we had always counted on are no longer useful. During this period of introspection, we questioned aspects of life that until now did not concern us too much.

On the other hand, the existential crisis also has observable consequences in our way of behaving. Classically, or it generates apathy and disinterest in carrying out activities that we are not obliged to carry out due to our responsibilities, or we We launch into trying new experiences in an almost desperate way, with the intention of filling our emptiness through sensations that keep us distracted. Both behavior patterns can reach the extreme of being harmful, since if they become the central axis of our lives, they can give way to a depressive disorder and / or addictions.

When we feel that we do not have enough resources to get out of this existential emptiness, the anxiety it does not let us sleep until we find the answer, that is, until we find a solution that makes us regain inner peace, and that helps us to visualize the way forward again. This way forward refers to recovering your own identity and commitment to yourself. It is about finding the meaning of our life again.

Consequences of the existential crisis

The existential crisis can cause a radical change in our life, because it can be an opportunity to reinvent yourself and set new goals. But when the person who suffers an existential crisis enters a negative spiral in which he thinks that he does not have enough resources to overcome it, he may end up suffering a severe depression.

Not everyone experiences crises in the same way: some may experience them for a few weeks, others for a few months, and others for a few years. Long and intense existential crises often require help from a professional. When the crisis for the very existence is solved in a satisfactory way, you feel like you have reconnected with yourself and restructure your mindset. In turn, you can change old dysfunctional habits for more adaptive ones, and you can reach well-being again.

When the person who suffers an existential crisis develops a negative image of himself, the world, and the future, and indulges in his irrational beliefs about life; Or when you have low self-esteem or a lack of confidence in your own resources, you can lead to hopelessness, learned helplessness, major depression, and even suicide.

When you can't get over the existential crisis

The way of facing the existential crisis is different in each individual, since the way to follow to overcome it is a path to personal discovery, so it requires self-will and self-knowledge. Individuals who are caught up in this crisis need to change their vision of the world, as they have cognitive schemas that are not adaptive, at least in part. Psychologists can serve as a guide for a person to figure out the way for themselves, but they cannot can offer the answers to the existential crisis, since it has to do with the priorities of each one.

Still and still a psychologist can help his patient to have a more objective view of this situation. For example, a psychologist can be effective in helping an individual to restructure his expectations and to consider more realistic life projects. It can provide tools for self acceptance and the correct emotional management. And it can help develop more effective and adaptive coping strategies that will not only be positive to overcome the crisis, but also to empower the patient on a day-to-day basis.

Tools to focus and motivate you

There are different mobile applications on the market that can help you become aware of your skills and enhance the way you plan the future. Perhaps the most valuable is Meyo, an app created in Barcelona that acts as a 360º life coach.

With this app you can track your well-being in eight essential aspects of your life and, through a series of challenges and activities based on your tastes, Meyo offers you resources and tools with which to increase your empowerment and get ahead with new projects and hobbies.

• You can follow Meyo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meyoapp/
• And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Appmeyo/

Bibliographic references:

• Berrios G.E. & Gili M. (1995) Will and its disorders. A conceptual history. History of Psychiatry 6: pp. 87-104
• Paykel, E.S. (2007). Cognitive therapy in relapse prevention in depression. The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 10 (1): pp. 131 - 36.
• Yalom, I.D. (1980). Existential Psychotherapy. New York: BasicBooks