Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Assess the Situation
• Method 2 of 3: Don't focus on suffering
• Method 3 of 3: Get Help
• Tips
• Warnings

An existential crisis happens suddenly or is the result of accumulated emotions. If you start to wonder about the meaning of life or doubt about your place in it, most likely you are facing an existential crisis. To cope with this condition, you need to remind yourself of everything that you have. Resist the temptation to isolate yourself from people and strive to connect with others.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Assess the Situation

1. 1 Analyze your recent actions and thoughts to determine the causes of the crisis. It is very likely that the crisis is driven by a specific moment or event. For example, it can be a meeting at work that did not bring the desired result, or a dinner with a happy couple, after which the desire to find a soul mate has intensified.
   • Knowing the reasons can help you bypass or respond appropriately to situations like this.For example, start hanging out with friends and avoid going to meetings where you’re the third person.
   • Often the reasons are important events, such as the death of a loved one, dismissal or divorce.
2. 2 Sometimes it's better to do nothing. Some people can go through a series of existential crises and not suffer the consequences, in the worst case, experience minimal suffering. Try to identify patterns in times of crisis and pay attention to the consequences, if nothing is done at all.
   • If you are overwhelmed with negative thoughts, you need to take action. First of all, you should talk to a psychotherapist.
3. 3 Create a mental list of people who love you. Think about everyone you have ever interacted with. Highlight those you consider friends and loved ones. Within this category, select people who truly love you. Do this exercise often to see how wide your circle of support is.
   • Don't judge the final list in terms of quantity. Focus on quality.
4. 4 Consider the advice you might get from your idol. Imagine the person you admire, even if you've never met. Imagine that you told him about your feelings, and he gave you advice. This is a great way to help yourself in such a detached way.
   • For example, share your problems with imaginary Oprah Winfrey, and imagine what she might answer you.
5. 5 Consider the nature of the problem. At such a moment, it is useful to speak out to a loved one. Even if you think depression is caused by a specific event, you will most likely find that the cause is not limited to that problem. Keep asking yourself, "What else is bothering me right now?"
   • For example, if you have young children, you may be frustrated not only by constantly washing your clothes, but also not being able to see your friends as often as before the children were born.

Method 2 of 3: Don't focus on suffering

1. 1 Force yourself to leave the house and interact with people. In times of crisis, the last thing you want is to see others, but this is exactly what you need. Start small and go to the movies, then see your friends.
   • When surrounded by people, it is easier to distract yourself and get rid of the feeling of loneliness.
   • At times like this, try not to compare yourself to others, or you may feel worse.
2. 2 Use the crisis to identify the changes you want in your life. An existential crisis can indicate dissatisfaction and frustration with certain aspects of life. Consider the causes of the crisis and try to find a way to change your life for the better.
   • For example, if you're stuck in a job with no growth prospects, try finding another job. Set achievable goals, such as learning something new or applying for a range of jobs every week.
   • If you are unsure of what to do, try talking to a friend or therapist.
3. 3 Shift your focus to others. In a moment of existential crisis, you feel as if only you and your problem exist. Go outside and pay attention to other people to change this way of thinking. Try to understand other people's problems and think about how you could help people.
   • In addition to being able to see your problems from the outside, helping others gives you a sense of joy.
   • So, if a customer in a supermarket missed something, you can come up and help.
4. 4 Don't compare yourself to others. This is a direct path to depression and a new crisis, because it always seems that others are more successful than you. If you have envious thoughts in relation to this or that person, then tell yourself “no”. Then try to imagine what you have in common with this person.
   • For example, don't be jealous of an employee who goes on vacation to a ski resort. Instead, focus on the general qualities: you, too, love to spend time outdoors.
5. 5 Get organized. A mess or unkempt environment can easily become a home for negative thoughts and feelings. Get organized, collect dust, clean floors and windows. You can even buy new furniture.
   • Invite people who are willing to help you so you don't feel lonely.

Method 3 of 3: Get Help

1. 1 Talk to a friend or relative. Reach out to someone you trust so that this conversation remains only between you. Offer to meet in a relaxed environment where no one will disturb you. Explain your feelings and sensations in as much detail as possible. Warn in advance if you don't need advice and just want to talk.
   • For example, say: “In the last six months, my job has ceased to suit me.”
2. 2 See a psychotherapist. At times, a deep existential crisis can turn into anxiety or depression. In such a situation, you should contact a psychotherapist. Some specialists offer a free first session.
   • This option is especially helpful for those who have no one to talk to about their problems.
3. 3 Become a member of a support group. Your therapist may recommend that you meet with a support group for people with similar problems. Groups can meet every week or once a month. As a rule, meetings take place in a convenient location in the city center, for example, in psychological and psychotherapy centers.
   • For example, if your crisis is caused by the loss of a loved one, talking to people who have faced the same trouble will help you.
4. 4 If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, call the hotline or emergency services. If the crisis has worsened so much that you feel like hurting yourself physically, call the Suicide Prevention Hotline as soon as possible. This will help you share your concerns with an experienced professional. Alternatively, you can contact the emergency services.
   • For example, in Russia there is a free helpline 8 800 333-44-34.

Tips

• Watch your body to provide yourself with a charge of positive emotions in moments of existential crisis. Drink plenty of water and eat well.
• Sometimes, to get out of the crisis, it is enough to watch a comedy or go to a humorous performance. Laughter has a positive effect on mood and condition.

Warnings

• In moments of existential crisis, do not try to suppress feelings with alcohol and drugs. Such substances do not help to solve problems, but only worsen the situation.