Does Existential Depression Exist? Signs That Your Existential Problems Are Affecting You Too Much
Does ‘existential depression’ really exist? What does it imply and how can we know if we are facing this phenomenon? Discover the main signs and how to deal with it.
The existential depression It implies that by thinking too much about the big questions about human nature, people can feel a feeling of restlessness and despair so deep that they end up in a depressive disorder. This concept is closely related to existential crises, although it goes one step further, affecting many aspects of those who suffer from it.
The term ‘existential depression ‘ is not specified within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) Despite this, there are more and more cases in which existential crises lead to a depressive disorder.
These existential problems They derive from the contemplation of freedom, death or life and end up causing specific depressive symptoms, which is why some psychologists refer to this phenomenon as existential depression. That is, it is a depressive disorder that can occur due to existential thoughts and problems.
Are depression and existential crisis the same thing?
Not all existential crises lead to existential depression. Therefore, we are talking about two different events. When depression occurs, whether existential or otherwise, it is a mental health condition that can therefore be diagnosed and treated. On the other hand, when we talk about existential crises we are referring to a psychological or moral life event that can lead us to higher levels of stress. In these cases, the attention of a mental health professional can also be helpful.
In many cases, our existential problems They can lead to a review of our values and way of life, resulting in change. On the contrary, when we get stuck in a constant existential crisis, we can experience symptoms of anxiety, helplessness, anger, and even depression.
When these thoughts around existential problems persist for more than two weeks and affect the way we see ourselves, others, and how the world works, you may have developed a depressive disorder.
What causes existential crises?
A existential crisis It can happen at any time in our lives. The first to use this term was psychologist Erik Erikson who called it ‘identity crisis’ as it happened when a person was trying to solve or find an answer to a challenging question. Typically, people may experience an existential crisis and its symptoms due to these questions:
Who I am?
What is life all about?
What can I contribute to the world?
What does the future hold for me?
God exists?
Does anyone care about me?
What is the meaning of my life?
Why do we exist?
Is existential depression really a disorder?
Those who experience what is called ‘existential depression’ They are really having symptoms of depressive disorder derived from questions around existential problems. This implies that the symptoms of depression are affecting the ability to function ‘normally’, as well as the way we see ourselves and others. To know if you are facing depression, there are some common symptoms that many people experience when they suffer from this disorder:
According to Deborah Serani, a clinical psychologist specialized in depression, she comments that according to her own experience, what is known as ‘existential depression’ It usually shows specific thought patterns. That is, normally, those who suffer from it tend to center their problems around issues of identity, life and death.
High abilities and existential problems
Some researchers and psychologists suggest that what is known as ‘existential depression ‘ usually appears more frequently in gifted or highly gifted people.
How to deal with existential depression?
If your existential problems They are creating a barrier to having a complete life, it is important that you go to a professional psychologist before they lead to something more serious. In addition to this, there are a series of strategies that can help you overcome these types of uncertainties that exist.
Create your own meaning: In the vast majority of cases you have the ability to give shape and meaning to how your life develops. Although we cannot control everything that happens around us, the reality is that we can change our attitude as well as our behavior. By focusing on it, you can gain greater meaning for your life.
Share your feelings: talk about these existential problems with friends and family can help you deal with the anguish they usually generate.
Transform uncertainty into growth: A theory by psychologist Kazimierz Dabrowki, called positive disintegration, suggests that the different types of emotional distress we perceive can occur naturally as part of our personality development. In this line of thought, the existential depression It can eventually lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves. Therefore, to face it we must ask ourselves these existential questions and learn to manage these feelings through choices that add more meaning to our lives.
Live more in the present: Sometimes existential crises happen because we are constantly thinking about the past or the future. Therefore, we must resort to different strategies such as mindfulness practices, which help you be more in the present.
It is normal that we consider ourselves from time to time existential questions around our nature and life. Despite this, although it is healthy to think about these issues, the reality is that when they interfere in our lives there may be a problem that we must face.
