5 Causes A Person Can Experience An Existence Crisis

Illustration of the causes of a person can experience an existential (Freepic) crisis

YOGYAKARTA An existential crisis is experienced when you feel like life just goes on without a clear direction. Generally, accompanied by deep questions like What is my goal in this world? or Does all of this really mean ?. The existential crisis is a phase when a person begins to question the values, meaning, and direction of life in depth.

This is not just stress or normal boredom, but a more philosophical and emotional form of search for self-existence. This crisis can arise in various stages of life and is often triggered by certain moments that change a person's perspective on life. Then, what are the common causes of a person experiencing an existential crisis? Launching BetterHelp, Sunday, July 27, here is an explanation of the general cause of a person experiencing an existential crisis.

Losing a loved one, divorce, changing jobs, or experiencing serious illness can shake the structure of life that has been stable so far. When things that used to give meaning suddenly disappeared, someone may start questioning who he was without all that. According to psychologist Dr. Irvin Yalom, an existential experience such as death, freedom, isolation, and insensitivity are the four main themes that often arise in this type of crisis.

Living in the midst of high social expectations, both from family, social media, or the environment, often makes a person feel left behind or not enough. When the target of life feels difficult to achieve, feelings of disappointment arise, then questions such as Is all this worth fighting for?. Many people experience an existential crisis because they feel that their way of life does not match who they really are. This can trigger deep anxiety and feelings of vacuum.

An existential crisis can also appear in a monotonous daily routine. When life only revolves between waking, working, eating, then sleeping without room for reflection or growth, a person can feel empty. Even material success can not always fill that void.

Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl in his book Man's Search for Meaning states that humans really need a sense of meaning in life. When that meaning disappears, the crisis is easy to emerge.

Realizing that life has a limit can be a moment that makes a person aware. This crisis often occurs in middle age, which is known as a midlife crisis, because people start to think that their time in the world is limited. Reflections like this can drive existential questions like 'Have I lived the way I wanted it to be?'.

Some people have a tendency to reflect deeper on life and its existence. This search can lead to spiritual, existential, and even philosophical questions. If you don't find a satisfactory answer, a person can feel confused, lost, and even cut off from himself.

An existential crisis is not a sign of weakness. In fact, when experiencing an existential crisis it can be a sign that you are growing up and questioning what is truly important in life. With the right support, both from yourself, those closest to you, as well as professionals such as psychologists and psychiatrists, this crisis can be a turning point towards a more meaningful life.