Existential anxiety can happen when an individual faces an existential crisis. An existential crisis, by definition, refers to the ensemble of feelings and questions we have to do with the meaning and purpose of our life. An existential crisis often occurs after major life events, such as:

➴ Death of a loved one,

➴ New responsibilities and big life changes such as marriage, moving, divorce, having children, career change, or a diagnosis of a serious or life-threatening illness

➴ Aging. As people age, they tend to review and reflect on their past accomplishments and wonder about what awaits them. It’s important to know that younger people are not immune to this process

➴ Losing a job or feeling stuck in a career you don’t like

➴ Experiencing a tragic or traumatic experience

➴ Anything that makes you question life’s meaning such as pandemics, terrorism, climate change, severe weather, and other significant life events can create existential anxiety, even if they do not happen to the person directly

Each person has a unique way of experiencing existential anxiety and there is no wrong way of experiencing it. Existential anxiety, depression, and grief can manifest as:

➴ Racing thoughts

➴ Constant irritability and skepticism

➴ Feeling overwhelmed

➴ Isolation from friends and loved ones

➴ Lack of motivation and energy

➴ Loneliness and emptiness

➴ A sense of negative self-worth

➴ Obsessive worry

Grief involves coping with loss. Some examples of loss include, but are not limited to:

➴ Death

➴ Divorce/breakups

➴ Loss of a job

➴ Rejection

➴ Moving away

➴ Finding out you or someone you love has a terminal illness

Grief is a strong, sometimes overwhelming emotion for people. They might find themselves feeling numb and removed from daily life, unable to carry on with regular duties while saddled with their sense of loss.

Grief is the natural reaction to loss. Grief is both a universal and a personal experience. Individual experiences of grief vary and are influenced by the nature of the loss.

Therapy is a crucial support system for people dealing with grief. It offers a safe space to express emotions, thoughts, and memories. Grief therapy provides personalized techniques to process emotions, develop coping strategies, and find meaning in loss. Therapists guide individuals in understanding the various emotions tied to grief, aiding their healing and adjustment. Therapy also helps address unresolved issues, guilt, or regrets, promoting acceptance and resolution. Ultimately, therapy offers hope during tough times, reminding individuals they are not alone and healing is attainable.

No. Therapy is a powerful tool that extends far beyond providing support for those who have experienced trauma or mental health crises. It is a misconception to believe that therapy is only beneficial for these individuals. In fact, therapy can be a transformative experience for anyone seeking personal growth, self-discovery, or even just a space to process life's challenges.

When you enter therapy with me, I offer a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your emotions, gain insights into your patterns of thinking and behavior, and develop strategies to enhance your overall well-being. Therapy can help you improve your relationships, manage stress, strengthen self-esteem, navigate life transitions, and cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and fulfillment.

Regardless of whether an individual has experienced trauma or not, therapy can be a valuable resource for anyone striving to live a more meaningful and authentic life.

Fill out the contact form and you will receive an email with a link to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation with me. I’ll answer any questions you have, discuss what led you to look for therapy for existential anxiety, depression, and grief. If we determine we’re a good fit, our first appointment will be scheduled. I look forward to hearing from you!