What is Existential Dread?

Created By: Bard and Lauren Lansrud

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Existential dread is a feeling of anxiety or despair that comes from contemplating a loss of purpose in life, having an awareness that life is somehow disappointing, or the inevitability of death such that attempts at feeling ‘alive’ are meaningless. It is a common human experience, and it can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as major life changes, traumatic experiences, or simply a moment of deep reflection.

Existential dread is often a difficult emotion and cognitive experience to cope with, but it is also an opportunity for growth and transformation. By healing from existential dread, we can live a joyful, purpose -driven life. We will appreciate life and seek to happily and eagerly live more fully in the present moment.

Signs of existential dread

Existential dread can manifest in a variety of ways. Some common signs of existential dread include:

• Feelings of anxiety, despair, or emptiness
• A sense of meaninglessness or purposelessness
• Difficulty finding joy in life
• A preoccupation with death and mortality
• Questioning the meaning of life and existence

Causes of existential dread

Existential dread can be caused by a variety of factors, both internal and external. Some common causes of existential dread include:

• Major life changes, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or job loss
• Traumatic experiences, such as war, violence, or natural disasters
• Philosophical reflection on the meaning of life and existence
• Exposure to existentialist literature, philosophy, or art

Coping with existential dread

Coping with existential dread can be challenging, but there are a number of things that you can do to manage your symptoms and live a meaningful life in the face of uncertainty. Here are a few tips:

• Allow yourself to feel your emotions. It is important to allow yourself to feel your existential dread, rather than trying to suppress it. By acknowledging your emotions, you can begin to understand them and to develop coping mechanisms.
• Connect with others and yourself. Talking to other people about your existential dread can help you to feel less alone and to gain support. You may also find it helpful to join a support group or to talk to a therapist.
• Find meaning in for your life. Finding meaning for your life can help to reduce existential dread. This may involve pursuing your passions, helping others, or connecting with a larger cause.
• Focus your thoughts on the present moment. It is easy to get caught up in thoughts about the past or the future. However, existential dread is often most intense when we are not present in the moment. By focusing on the present moment, you can appreciate the good things in your life and reduce your anxiety about the future.

If you are struggling to cope with existential dread, please reach out for help. A therapist can teach you coping skills and help you to develop a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Conclusion

Existential dread is a common human experience. Why? People are not human beings having spiritual expiriences; we are spiritual beings having human experiences. Therefore, if a person is growing and evolving, they are likely to experience existential dread. It is not something to be ashamed of or hide because it is proof that a person is self-aware and seeking a more meaningful life. By understanding existential dread and healing from these deep soul-wounds, every one can live a much more meaningful and fulfilling life.