3 Effective Tips for Managing Existential Anxiety
“Life is not primarily a quest for pleasure, as Freud believed, or a quest for power, as Alfred Adler taught, but a quest for meaning.”
― Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning
Human beings have been through a lot since March of 2019; I am pretty sure I do not need to remind you of why. While this may be a classic understatement, it is, nonetheless, unarguably true. A byproduct of such life-altering experiences has manifested in an increase in existential anxiety. Questions like, “Why am I here?”, “What is my purpose”, and “Why endure all of this suffering?” can come to mind.
Existential anxiety is the term used to describe a chronic state of discomfort and fear related to thinking about existence, the self, and the purpose of your life. Existential anxiety tends to arise during life transitions and reflects difficulty adjusting/adapting to those transitions. It is also often related to losing a sense of safety and security in self or in one’s circumstances.
Although not a formal diagnosis for any anxiety-related DSM-5 TR (Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Disorders) diagnostic code, existential anxiety is one of the types of anxiety a therapist considers when determining where the anxiety originates. This anxiety rests in us our ultimate concerns of life as freedom, death, isolation, and meaninglessness. These concerns result in such worry because humans can never be sure that their choices are the right ones, and once a choice is made, the alternative has to be rejected. This form of anxiety exists because there is no "right" path and no real guide to tell us what to do with our life.
In essence, there is a profound truth that every human must make meaning in their own life. Anxiety of this nature can seem unavoidable, a natural byproduct of a human being, because each of us must find a way to “live with” the anxiety rather than eliminate it.
Here are some tips for managing and working through existential anxiety.
Tips for managing existential anxiety:
1. Journaling
Using this anxiety as a way to propel deeper self-reflection could be beneficial through writing. It could help you explore how you can show up as your more authentic self or assist you in determining what values support your sense of identity and create meaning in your life.
2. Meditation
This is the art of sitting with oneself and existing with uncomfortable thoughts for the purpose of acknowledging and letting them move through you to increase a feeling of control over them. You can try to practice remaining in the present moment. This allows your anxiety to subside about worries surrounding deeper meanings and life circumstances beyond your control.
3. Talk to a therapist
It’s perfectly human to reflect on deep questions and worries related to your existence and the meaning of your life. In all actuality, doing so can help create a sense of deeper meaning and purpose. Working with a humanistic and/or existential therapist can provide you the opportunity to explore your goals, values, and a sense of purpose in your life.
While we will not be able to find the right answer to our existence and meaning, the best way to find meaning in life may be to create your own meaning; create your own “why”. “Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'.” ― Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning
Resources:
Roubicek & Thacker Counseling is Fresno’s premier provider of individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We offer in-person and online remote therapy sessions. Contact us today to change the way you feel.