Existential crisis

An existential crisis occurs when questions about life that usually stay in the background suddenly feel urgent and unsettling. People may ask: What is the point of life? Who am I? Does anything I do matter? What happens when I die?

These are questions humans have always asked, and philosophers, religions and cultures have offered many answers. In an existential crisis, previous answers may no longer feel satisfying, leaving a sense of emptiness or disorientation.

An existential crisis is not a mental health diagnosis. It can, however, be closely linked to anxiety, depression and other conditions, and it can be very distressing. It often arises at turning points, such as adolescence, early adulthood, midlife, retirement or after a loss.

Common signs include:

• Persistent questioning about the meaning of life or your purpose
• Existential dread or a sense of unease about existence
• Existential anxiety, including worry about freedom, choices or the future
• Death anxiety or intense awareness of mortality
• Feeling lost, empty or disconnected from your life
• Loss of motivation or interest in previous goals
• Feeling isolated or that no one understands you
• Questioning relationships, career or beliefs

These feelings can come and go or persist for weeks or months. They may be accompanied by sleep problems, irritability or difficulty concentrating.

An existential crisis can be triggered by many experiences:

• The death of a loved one or a serious illness
• A major life transition, such as graduating, divorce or retirement
• Turning a milestone age
• Job loss or feeling stuck in your career
• A breakup or loss of an important relationship
• Becoming a parent or children leaving home
• Global events, such as conflicts, pandemics or climate concerns
• Spiritual changes or a loss of faith

Sometimes there is no obvious trigger, and the crisis seems to emerge from a gradual sense that life has lost meaning.

An existential crisis and depression can overlap, and one can lead to the other. In an existential crisis, the focus is on questions of meaning, purpose and mortality. In depression, persistent low mood, loss of pleasure, fatigue, changes in sleep or appetite, and feelings of worthlessness affect most areas of life.

If questions such as "what is the point of life?" come with hopelessness, thoughts that life is not worth living or thoughts of suicide, it is important to seek help right away. Call or text 988 in the US, Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK and Ireland, or 911 or your local emergency number in an emergency.

Therapy offers a space to explore big questions without judgment. Existential therapy focuses directly on themes like meaning, freedom, isolation and mortality, helping people find their own answers. Acceptance and commitment therapy helps clarify values and take meaningful action even when uncertainty remains.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help when existential anxiety turns into rumination, panic or obsessive worry about death. Meaning-centered approaches and narrative therapy can help people reframe their story and identify sources of purpose.

If depression, anxiety or grief are involved, a therapist can address these as well, and a psychiatrist can assess whether additional treatment is needed.

Psychologists, psychotherapists and clinical psychologists can help. In a first session, you might talk about what triggered these questions, how they affect your daily life and what has felt meaningful in the past.

Ways to cope while you explore:

• Talk about your thoughts with people you trust.
• Write in a journal about what matters to you.
• Reconnect with activities that make you feel present.
• Spend time in nature or in creative pursuits.
• Explore philosophy, spirituality or community, if that resonates.
• Focus on small, meaningful actions rather than final answers.