Most people will experience an existential crisis at one or more points in their lives. When we are young, we struggle to find out who and what we are. Later in our 20s and 30s, we work hard to solidify a career path, a line or work or a profession. We are also worried about choosing the right life partner. Later in life, we reflect back on our lives and ask questions like “Did I live a good life?”, and “Am I afraid of illness or death?”.
An existential crisis comes from confusing and high-anxiety times when people try to make sense out of what is going on. They also look deeply into themselves and ask “Who am I?” during such times. This experience can also be called an identity crisis. The anxiety associated with existential crises will not disappear until they have been acknowledged, addressed or resolved.
Existential crises are normal and are part of being human. They can be thought of as a means of working through important life tasks to avoid negative outcomes. It’s possible that modern society is at the root of existential crises because it offers people so many choices and options to choose from. People today can be many things at once. They can hold multiple titles, display unlimited personality characteristics, and choose just about any path in life they wish. Have too many choices made modern life even more confusing? Probably.
As we age, we are most likely going to experience age-related existential crises. Some may struggle with illness, pain, and end-of-life issues. Each of these experiences may bring challenges to one’s identity and purpose in life. The difference between these crises at younger ages is that we will try to resolve them to reduce anxiety and find ourselves. On the other hand, later in life we wish to improve our life, reflect on our legacy and achievements, and become more moral beings.
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you have questions like “Who am I?”, “Why am I here?” or “Did my life matter?”. You’re experiencing an existential crisis and it’s normal and probably healthy.