Existential depression and anxiety
What is Existentialism
Existentialism is a broad 20th century philosophical movement based around the idea that life is what we make it. As human beings we have to assume ultimate responsibility and freedom to choose and create our existence, without any certain knowledge of what is right or wrong, good or bad.
Existential Depression
Generally, when we treat depression, we try and identify what may have caused or triggered it. This also applies to existential depression but the cause is often not so obvious. Depressive episodes can be seasonal, situational, or intra-personal, and can develop from biological and hormonal factors. Irvin Yalom posits that, in contrast, existential depression tends to revolve around people’s concern and attempts to make sense of four main topics: death, isolation, freedom and meaninglessness.
Existential depression can occur after a major life event such as bereavement, accident, natural disaster, job loss and so forth. These events generally lead to a period of deep reflection about the meaning of one’s life, and the purpose and meaning of existence. The existentially depressed person focuses on their hopelessness, fear and uncertainty in relation to the human experience.
Existential depression often coincides with as we transition between different life stages. The first being the angst-filled journey from childhood to adolescence when children reflect on their future for the first time. They begin to comtemplate their life goals and their own mortality, and as well as that of their loved ones. This reflection coincides with learning about historical atrocities, such as wars and genocide, in their history classes , and the introduction of various philosophical ideas around life and death in their religious studies syllabus. Suddenly the world doesn’t seem such a happy, safe place which prompts the adolescent to feel a new sense of pessimism, fear and uncertainty about the world and humanity.
The second life phase where we are susceptible to existential depression is during the proverbial mid-life crisis when people are forced to let go of their personal and career related dreams in order to maintain their own survival and raise a family. Finally, entering retirement after a lifetime of working can leave people struggling to find purpose and meaning in their life. In addition, they see death fast approaching and begin to reflect that their best years of life may be behind them. This leads to them questioning if there is life after death, and whether they have identified and fulfilled their life’s purpose?
Research indicates that gifted children and adults have a greater propensity to suffering from existential depression. Those sensitive, creative, gifted, and talented people, the thinkers and scientists amongst us, tend to question life’s meaning more deeply. Gifted children may find it especially difficult to navigate life as their thirst for knowledge and need for intellectual stimulation causes them to examine the world and humanity more closely. They often feel alone and isolated from their peers who view and experience life from a more straightforward and pragmatic perspective.
Existential Anxiety
Existential anxiety, or angst, is caused by feelings of panic, agitation or dread about the nature of individual or human existence as a whole. The individual feels an overwhelming stress when contemplating and considering choices and possibilities for the future which results in feelings of panic or anxiety. Common existential related thoughts such as “what am I doing with my life” or “what is the meaning of life” may result in a panic attacks or other symptoms of anxiety.
Signs of Existential Depression
As with other forms of depression, existential depression can vary in intensity and severity. Signs or symptoms may include:
An intense interest in the meaning of life and death. Obsessive interest in exploring these themes may affect a person’s enjoyment and engagement in other day-to-day activities.
Extreme distress, anxiety and sadness about humanity or the overall state of the world.
A belief that change is impossible and futile.
Increased feelings of isolation and separation from other people and society.
Lack of connection with other people who are considered meaningless or shallow through their lack of similar existential thoughts.
Low motivation and energy levels.
Lack of enjoyment and interest in activities that previously provide pleasure and relaxation.
Obsessively questioning the purpose, point or meaning of life.
Suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Treating Existential Depression
As shown above, many of the symptoms of existential depression overlap with other forms of depression. However, existential depression is often considered the trickiest type of depression to treat. This is mainly because the existential questions that are often raised do not have objective answers. CBT can have some degree of success, but techniques to correct irrational thoughts and cognitive errors can fall short in addressing such deep, contemplative thoughts which arise in the existentially depressed person. Likewise, medication, which in combination with effective therapy, usually has a positive effect on depression symptoms does little to raise awareness of the meaning of life and life after death.
However, a mental health professional using an existential approach can help explore thoughts on the meaning of life and life purpose in a healthy, constructive way. An existential approach to therapy provides a safe, validating and judgement free space to explore new possibilities and:
Rationalise and focus on what is possible: we have to accept that is it not possible to change the world but we can identify small changes we can make to our lives and way of living that can make a difference to us, others and the world we life in.
Identify meaning: exploring one’s values can help clarify the values, goals and activities that make life feel meaningful and purposeful. Having a meaning or personal mission to fulfill will help add great depth to your life.
Process grief: If the existential depression has been triggered by a death or some other kind of major loss, therapy can help identify ways to work through the grieving process and develop a new understand and meaning.
Find your passion: Depression often causes us to lose interest in things we used to enjoy. Use this as an opportunity to explore something new. Think back to childhood and identify activities that brought joy to your life. Alternatively, explore an interest or topic that you have always been curious about but have never quite got around to learning more about. Ask yourself “What fills my Soul with fire?”. Finding what your passion is and what makes you feel excited to be alive is a wonderful way of moving through existential depression.
Accept yourself and others: Accept and understand that we are each unique, wonderful, quirky individuals and that is what makes the world the interesting place it is. Often people feel disconnected and feel isolated because they feel different. Find things about yourself and others that you can celebrate and learn from. Learn to embrace your individuality
Think about it as a journey: one of the key elements of existentialism is we all are travelling on our own unique journey through life. If you are overwhelmed or stuck with where you are and what to do next, accept that you have simply hit a road bump or junction that helps you contemplate your next move or steer you onto a different, more fulfilling path.
On a positive note, many psychotherapists believe that existential depression can be a positive catalyst for individual self-development and fulfilment. Dabrowski’s positive disintegration theory suggests traumatic events and crises prompt positive growth and change. So embrace those existential thoughts and use them to guide you towards a more purposeful, content and rewarding life.