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Highlights
- Existentialism is the state of mind where people question their purpose in life, the meaning of their existence and all other big questions that have no objective answers.
- Some people with existential angst go through a lot of mental stress and anxiety.
- Existential angst can be managed with a few lifestyle changes.
Existentialism is not uncommon. It’s the state of mind where people question their objective in life, the sense of their existence and all other huge questions that have no objective answers. Existential angst can happen to anyone at any point of time.
However, existentialism is not always bad. It depends on the magnitude of it. For example, if a person is questioning their purpose in the world: this interrogation can lead them to a more productive life if they set a definite purpose and move towards it.
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But life is not always happy-go-lucky. Thus, situations may get challenging. Some people with existential angst go through a lot of mental stress and anxiety. They get into a persistent loop of thoughts leading them nowhere.
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Causes of existential angst and what its impacts
There is no fixed cause of existentialism. However, usually it follows some deep trauma, for example death of a loved one. Other aspects of life may also lead to angst like guilt about something, feeling socially unfulfilled, dissatisfaction with self, history of bottled-up emotions, to name a few.
Prolonged existential crises can be dangerous to one’s mental health. It can lead to existential crisis depression, existential crisis anxiety, and existential obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
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If you are someone who is suffering through similar emotions and thoughts, the next part of this video is for you- How to deal with existential angst?
- First and foremost, you should control your thoughts, it shouldn't be the other way around: Persistent negative thoughts will make you saddened. So, try thinking about positive things in life. Volunteer somewhere good, follow a passion. Basically, do anything that stimulates positivity in your chain of thoughts.
- Next, gratitude- do not forget how important it is to feel grateful: Every day you need to remind yourself of all the good things you have in life. You are privileged to have good food, family, shelter, education. So, acknowledge that and be grateful.
- Thirdly, know that life has a meaning, maybe you need to change your lens: Talk to your friends and family and they’ll tell you what good qualities you have and how you have impacted their lives. You need to make a positive space for yourself in the world, and that’s the right way to live.
- Lastly and most importantly, you should know when to see a doctor: Try meditating at home, follow gratitude but if you think self-help is not making you feel any better, then, it's time for you to see a doctor.
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Bottomline
There are moments when individuals question whether their lives have meaning, purpose, or value, and are negatively impacted by the contemplation. This is called existential angst. What one needs to concentrate upon is figuring out easy ways to deal with it and make lives simpler and happier.
You may never find answers to all the big questions, but you keep pursuing them. However, you shouldn't fall into a pit of confusing and endless questions. Feel good and stay positive and everything will be sorted for you.
