5 Common Signs You Might Be Experiencing Existential Dread
You may be surprised to find that the term ‘Existential Dread’ is one of the most commonly searched keywords that comes up in our website keywords. Lots of folks are wondering if they are experiencing existential dread or how to identify it, and also what to do about it. Existential dread relates to feelings of anxiety, or hopelessness, that are experienced in relation to the future. These feelings occur more frequently in folks who identify as creatives, scientists, intellectuals, or highly sensitive people.
A few of the most common indicators that this could be part of what you’re experiencing are listed below.
Sign 1: Persistent Feelings of Meaninglessness
Occasionally experiencing a sense of meaningless or apathy towards life is common for most folks. Where it can become really challenging to navigate is when these feelings persist over a long period of time. Feeling a sense of meaninglessness is associated with increased depression and suicidal ideation. There is an internal question that exists around ‘Why does any of this matter anyways?’ or ‘What is the point of all of this? Nothing I do seems to make any difference.’ Once your brain has launched down this trajectory it can be difficult to shift. You may notice the following:
Feelings of anger or cynicism
An experience of boredom and emptiness
A lack of joy and beliefs that nothing will ever change can also be present
Purposelessness or aimlessness
Feeling stuck or powerless
Historically for many folks, meaning was derived from religious beliefs. We are now in an era where, for most of us, we create our own meaning in life, and this results from our inherent will or drive. It is also important to note that the impact of systemic oppression can contribute to our sense of meaninglessness. In recent times, social media has also significantly affected our experience, as we are now exposed to crises that exist all over the world, in a way that is easily overwhelming.
Sign 2: Intense Anxiety about Life’s Purpose
In relation to existential dread, anxiety can surface around any major decisions. We feel insecure in our choices, and there is fear of making the wrong decision, with the belief that this will result in our experience of life being unfulfilling. It is easy to feel trapped in this loop, and paralyzed.
Folks experiencing life transitions can be more vulnerable to existential anxiety. For example, a recent university graduate may have had dreams of using their skills in a meaningful and impactful way, and feel completely devastated by the current job market, having to settle for employment that is in no way inspiring. Someone who has recently experienced job loss in a field they loved and are unable to find something equivalent may believe that they now have no way to contribute to the world that leaves them feeling useful. Unfortunately, capitalism has tied our self worth to our productivity, and that, coupled with our current economic context, can mean it is a slippery slope to finding ourselves in a space where we feel stuck in these beliefs.
Sign 3: Overwhelming Fear of Death or Non-Existence
Death anxiety comes from the realization that life in the way we know it now will end. We can experience unease, dread and apprehension around thoughts of death or the idea that our selves, and loved ones, will cease to exist. This can lead us to avoidance, refusing to plan for the future, and cause us to experience the world through a sense of dread, instead of being able to fully be present in the moments we are in.
This can be particularly common in those who have experienced religious trauma or a crisis of faith. Where once there was a clear idea about what would happen in the afterlife now someone may feel nothing but questioning and fear. Our current western culture is not very effective when it comes to anticipating death, or creating meaningful ritual, connection or conversation around these topics. This can cause folks to feel a sense of extreme isolation, as others feel discomfort when trying to engage in discussion around these topics, leaving them in a space where they can feel the only option is to withdraw further, so as not to burden their community.
Sign 4: Disconnection from Relationships and Activities
For those experiencing existential dread, surface level social interactions can only serve to further the feelings of meaninglessness they are experiencing. This can cause them to withdraw from friends and family, or activities they may have previously enjoyed. Individuals experience themselves as existing very separately from the world around them, and often believe themselves unable to have any significant impact on their world.
This can increase the existential crisis, as one of the main ways to move through existential dread is through the experience of connection. The further into aloneness we move, the farther away from hope we can feel.
Sign 5: Constant Questioning of Life Choices
Have you ever heard the term ‘Analysis Paralysis’? This happens when we feel completely trapped and unable to move forward with decision making in one or more areas of our lives. We often want to know that the choice we are making is ‘right’ or the best one, or have some external indicator that supports one path over another. The idea that we could make a decision that results in us feeling unhappy with the outcome can be perceived as a failure.
In reality, life is more of a journey with many intersecting paths, learning and growth opportunities, and potential outcomes. Feeling trapped in a false dichotomy of good/bad, right/wrong, can contribute to our paralysis. Often what is needed is an external perspective. The more we ruminate through our stuckness in our own mind, the murkier things can feel.
Overcoming Existential Dread
These signs of existential dread are important to be aware of. In combination, they increase our feelings of hopelessness, and are linked to an increase in suicidal ideation.
If this relates in any way to what you have been experiencing, as much as you may want to continue to withdraw, finding someone that you feel safe enough to connect with is so important. Feeling heard, less alone, and beginning to explore the systemic contexts we live in that contribute to our feelings are all ways to begin to challenge our minds' beliefs that nothing we do matters. The more present we are able to be in our lives and relationships, the more our sense of meaning and worth exists outside of our means of production, and we feel more control over our ability to be present in the current moment.
If you have been experiencing any of these signs, and are open to talking with someone about them, we would be honoured to support you. Please reach out!
