Existential crisis
What are existential crises?
Many people experience a lack of meaning in life. They may feel uncertain about their purpose or the direction in which they are headed. By exploring an individual’s core values and personal goals, therapy can help create a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. Instead of avoiding oneself or living life on “autopilot”, one can engage in conscious actions that align with who they truly aspire to be, taking steps towards a life that feels authentic and purposeful.
Treat depression
Feeling empty and indifferent
Living with depression can make life feel empty and meaningless. Activities that once seemed interesting may lose their appeal, and a person often feels sad and indifferent. Other common symptoms include disturbed sleep, changes in appetite, and a lack of energy. People struggling with depression often get caught in negative thought patterns and excessive rumination.
As self-confidence declines and normal functioning becomes difficult, social withdrawal and isolation become common. Many individuals lose interest in others – and even in themselves. Additionally, thinking and speaking may feel sluggish, focus becomes difficult, and it is easy to lose track of thoughts.
Living by external expectations
Many people navigate life according to social norms or the expectations imposed by parents, family, or close surroundings. Through therapy, we can examine what constitutes an individual’s own core beliefs, life principles, values, and personal aspirations. By doing so, one can begin to shape a life that is truly their own.
For instance, someone who has always been taught to please others may never have stopped to ask themselves what they genuinely want, feel, or need. They may struggle to take up space, as this conflicts with a deep-seated belief that being liked depends on meeting the expectations of others. By identifying and challenging these dysfunctional life rules, therapy helps individuals reconnect with their core values and life goals. This process allows them to explore new, healthier behaviours, where they learn to listen to their own thoughts, emotions, and needs in a different way.
Stepping outside your comfort zone
At times, making such changes can feel daunting, yet they almost always lead to positive outcomes. Life is not about avoiding pain, but rather about developing the ability to engage with one’s thoughts and emotions in a healthy way, while still moving forward towards a meaningful direction. The key lies in being fully present and embracing all that life has to offer.
However, achieving this often requires stepping outside one’s comfort zone. People frequently imagine that the consequences of stepping beyond their familiar boundaries will be far worse than they actually are. Reaching one’s goals typically involves challenging oneself in different ways, but this is done gradually and at a pace that is compassionate and respectful to oneself.
If you would like to explore these challenges in a supportive and structured environment, World Psychologists is here to help.