So, How Do You Cope with an Existential Crisis?

Well, let me take you back a bit. You see, back in my younger years, I had everything all figured out—or so I thought. I had my education planned out, my career path mapped, and I was ready to take on the world. But fast forward to 2019, a couple of years after graduating, and suddenly, I hit a wall. I found myself in this weird space where I wasn’t sure if what I was doing was really what I wanted. It was like I was questioning everything—my dreams, my goals, my purpose.

This uncertainty hit me hard. There were times when I felt completely lost, like I was just floating through life without any direction. And let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. I had my fair share of breakdowns and moments of doubt. But I knew I had to keep going.

It wasn’t until 2024 that I decided to seek help from a psychologist. Talking to them was a game-changer. They helped me realize that what I was going through was totally normal—an existential crisis, they called it. It’s basically this big, existential question mark hanging over your head, making you doubt everything.

So, how did I cope? Well, my psychologist gave me some pretty solid advice. 

First off, they told me to stop putting so much pressure on myself to have all the answers. Instead of obsessing over finding my life’s purpose, I needed to just let things unfold naturally.

Then, they had me create this vision, mission, and values chart. It was a bit tricky at first, trying to figure out what I really wanted, but it was eye-opening. It helped me get a clearer picture of my aspirations and what really mattered to me.

They explained to me that the vision will serve as my guide. Despite not pressuring myself to find out what I should do in my life, I should at least have a guide on what I want to do.

The mission is the steps I need to take to attain my vision and the values are the things I need to have or improve on to do the mission that will eventually lead to my vision. Some of the values I wrote were honesty and integrity.

And you know what else? They emphasized the importance of taking breaks. Like, real breaks—not just scrolling through your phone for five minutes breaks. Taking time off to recharge and reconnect with yourself.

But perhaps the most important thing they taught me was to focus on the present. I’m a planner by nature, always thinking ten steps ahead. But that mindset was only adding to my stress. By learning to live in the moment and appreciate what’s right in front of me, I started to feel more grounded and at peace.

Sure, I’m still figuring things out. I don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. But thanks to my psychologist, I feel like I’m on the right path. I may not know where I’m headed, but I’m learning to enjoy the journey. And really, isn’t that what life’s all about?