Existential dread or an existential crisis, is the moment when we as humans begin to ponder whether our lives have meaning, purpose or value. It's completely natural to have these thoughts and fears and a healthy part of human development. However, when it begins to consume you and influence you negatively, it is best to get a handle on controlling those invasive thoughts. During COVID-19, it is especially common to question our purpose and value and slip into this existential dread. Without being able to socialize normally, we are left with few distractions and even more time to sit and stir about the meaning of the universe and our significance within it. Although these thoughts may feel like they pillage your mind and take no prisoners, there are some ways to combat this thief of joy.
Step 1: Even in the darkest of times, remember your personal values. When it feels like the world could end at any moment, (or maybe it's ending as you're reading this- who knows?) it can be hard to remember the simple things that you personally care about. Our personal values make us who we are and keep us grounded in times of stress and confusion. Next time you can feel the existential darkness creep in, grab a pen and paper and jot down a few things that you hold dear no matter what. For some this is family, for others it could be the joy you get from beating your cousin at Super Mario Bros., anything goes! Take note of the things on Earth and within reach that define who you are regardless of what is happening in the world. This is both an exercise to remind you that you are a real life human with values and important thoughts, and to also ground you and lower any rising anxiety.
If the values list isn't making you feel any better, let's move on to Step 2: Practice mindfulness! Mindfulness is the act of focusing your attention on the present moment and accepting all sensations within this moment. In essence, it means to focus and appreciate the now. This can feel nearly unachievable when the feeling of the universe is crashing down around you, but mindfulness can always be practiced regardless of the situation. Take time to breath in and out and focus on the way the oxygen feels. Take note of where you are in a room and notice how it feels to be standing or sitting. If you are eating, focus on every flavor or smell. One of my personal favorite ways to practice mindfulness is through music. Really focus on the way music sounds and try to identify things you have never noticed before in a song. These are simple ways to bring yourself back to Earth and distract from the overwhelming doom that has planted itself in your mind.
If Step 1 and 2 prove ineffective, it is now time to give Step 3 a try: Reach out to a friend or family member. Existential crises are often brought on by a feeling of disconnection from the world and others, so contacting someone you are comfortable with is a great way to bring yourself back to reality. During a pandemic in which quarantining and social distancing is essential, feeling disconnected from others is bound to happen. Maintaining relationships with other humans is an important part of staying sane when existential dread comes knocking on your door. There is even a high chance that someone you are close to is or has experienced the same thing!
At the end of the day, it is important to understand that this feeling of existential dread is something that is natural and an important element of human development. It is especially normal to feel this during uncertain times or times of universal elevated stress (*cough cough* GLOBAL PANDEMIC). With that said, if they are consuming you to a point where you feel like you can't function healthily, please reach out to a helpline and seek expert help (resources below.) We are all experiencing a crazy, unpredictable world together and even though existential dread is unavoidable, we can't let it take control of the life we have.
RESOURCES:
SAMHSA Help Line:
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