Over eighteen months ago I wrote a post on this blog about Existential Anxiety and, although it was only short, I got many emails in response. I think there is so little information out there about existential anxiety because it is not really taken seriously as a psychological problem. More often, it is considered to be something people suffer from when perhaps they are looking for a path in their life; something worthwhile to do. This is of course true, however existential anxiety where symptoms amount to more than just a nagging urge that there is something else can make this a much more serious problem.
Often anxiety is related to a feeling of being out of control and our existence on this spinning planet, in this universe, here for reasons we don’t fully understand is something that really is way out of our control. The great thing about that is that we can’t really avoid it, which is the danger with a lot of anxiety disorders: you avoid triggers and end up with phobias like agoraphobia or travel phobia. Thanks for small mercies!
So what can we do? In my previous post on this subject I recommended mindfulness meditation and I stand by that as a great aid to all sorts of anxiety conditions, indeed all stresses in life!
More Info on Overcoming Anxiety – click here
Also it can be useful to find faith. It’s not something I’ve had much luck with myself, but I have been told that it’s helpful as you start to form in your mind a reason for being here, a concept of how we got here and an idea of where we go next. If you can get into a religion (hopefully not a cult!) then that is great.
I would also, tentatively, suggest you investigate the idea of Paradoxical Intention, which for those of you who have never come across the concept before is where you try and make your symptoms worse and not better. It is a slightly tricky area, and I suggest doing some more research on it (start by clicking here to search this site for the term). By using paradoxical intention you can take away some of the fragility of the world, it’s as if you are testing it’s resilience and finding that, no matter what you think, life will continue regardless of what you do.
It also goes without saying that other common anxiety treatments like SSRI’s and CBT can help.
I would be grateful to hear from anyone else with tips for overcoming existential anxiety.
I’m not making fun or anything but Existential Anxiety really sounds like the kind of anxiety disorder suffered by people who trip on acid or other hallucinogenics way too much.
Sometimes ignorance truly is bliss. Imagine the burden of constantly worrying about universal creation…yikes.
Thanks for the info. This blog is always a pretty good read.
Since I was a young teenager, I started questioning the meaning of existance, I dont know if it was the cause of a inquisitive mind or the result of a troubled upbringing, or both. In reference to hallucinogenics, I smoked marijuana from 16 and that certainly expanded my questioning and seeking for an answer. I haven’t smoked Marijuana for 7 years (now 27), but recently I had a breakdown, realizing I live my life in anxiety. I chew my nails, I chain smoke (tobacco), I use alcohol to relax, I masturbate frequently, I sleep a lot, I have difficulty getting motivated and forseeing purpose in having goals in life, I used my spouse as a crutch as well (couldnt live without her, made me feel secure). It took me the collapse of my 5 year relationship to realize that I felt so insecure and used these crutches obliviously. Im concerned because I dont know how to tackle this disorder I am on SSNRI (anxiety/depression) medication and seeing a psychologist regularly. I have discovered Existential Anxiety and believe it is what I suffer from. Its absurd to think I went so many years oblivious to my anxiety and use of my crutches until I hit rock bottom to realize I have a problem. I hope others who have experienced what I have can contribute as a comments so others in the future can benefit from methods of resolving this life modifying mindset.
Anonymous,
Anxiety in your case may be a symptom of an underlying problem. The history you describe–self-medicating with marijuana, nicotine, alcohol, sleeping lots, having difficulty getting motivated, having (obviously) tons of free-floating anxiety and using a spouse or primarily relationship as a support lest everything fall apart–all these are also totally consistent with AD/HD. I suffered with existential anxiety, major depressive disorder, and Complex Posttraumatic Stress disorder (plus being unable to complete my doctorate or work despite testing in the gifted range) until 46 years old until I started researching intensely and using all the professional resources I could access to find out what was wrong. Eventually, I was diagnosed with, and treated for, ADD, combined hyperactive and inattentive type. Correct diagnosis changed my life. Consider exploring ADD, as it is a strong possibility from your description. Start with Halowell, Delivered From Distraction and Answers to Distraction and see if any bells ring. Sari Solden, Women with ADD (get the 2nd Edition!) is also very good, even if you're not female, as she deals extensively with recognizing "inattentive" or internally dreamy type ADD in both women and men. Your medication & medical treatment is generally on the right track & should be helping some, but dig deeper. Good luck!