Are you continuously struggling with life feeling meaningless? Do you question the point of doing anything at all? Does it sometimes just feel like nothing matters?

If so, you may be prone to experiencing existential dread. Sometimes, when the dread is transitory, it doesn't carry much weight to it. It passes whether you act on it or not. But other times, it can feel crushing, and you may find yourself spiraling into a full-on mental health crisis.

If you experience existential dread, here are some tips that may provide immediate relief.

Ask What Your Dread Needs From You

All feelings can carry strong messages about ourselves and the world around us. When you pay close attention to how you feel, you can learn more about what you need in your everyday life.

For example, dread may signify several things, including unfulfilling relationships, not enough stimulation or novelty, depression symptoms, or spiritual disconnect. That's why it's important to get quiet with yourself and ask, What does this dread need?

Chances are, even if you don't land upon a perfect answer, you'll land on something, whether that's needing to take a break from the hustle of daily life or a deeper reflection on your personal values.

Stop Trying to Change Your Dread

Like any emotion, dread has its valid place. Instead of trying to eliminate the existential burden, try to welcome those existential thoughts in.

This is a form of embracing acceptance of yourself and all your feelings, thoughts, and parts. The more you can do this, the less intense the feelings may be. Acceptance doesn't mean that you like the way you feel. It simply means that you can acknowledge its relevance and understand that you don't need to do anything to "fix" or "remove" it.

Practice More Gratitude

Sometimes existential dread is a symptom of apathy, and apathy can similarly trigger existential dread. Apathy can also coincide with numerous mental health issues like depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and more.

Gratitude doesn't fix existential dread, but it can offer a meaningful perspective in life. It can also cultivate a greater sense of appreciation for the smaller, daily joys.

Cherish the Unknown Meaning of Life

You can spend your entire life trying to understand why you're here or what your purpose is. You may never find the true answer. You may never really understand the inner workings of your existence.

That said, there's something to cherish about the ambiguity of the human condition. By letting of needing to know the definition, you can make room for the wonder of uncertainty. This allows you to detach more from expectations and inadvertently find meaning in what's happening in the here and now.

Stay Present

Many people try to cope with existential crises by denying, distracting, intellectualizing, or numbing them (or a combination of all three!). These strategies can provide some short-term relief, but they don't stop the dilemma. If anything, these actions can also exacerbate certain existential questions.

Instead, try to practice mindfulness whenever possible. This roots you to both yourself and the world around you. It forces you to focus on what is happening in the present moment, which means you have to sit with your emotions, needs, and thoughts.

Rethink Impulsivity

It can be tempting to engage in reckless, impulsive behaviors when existential dread sets in. You might find yourself reasoning with statements like, If none of it matters, who cares what I do? Or, life is meaningless, so I may as well have fun.

The problem is that most impulsive behaviors come with unwanted consequences, and those can perpetuate more agony and existential frustration. Similarly, they might affect your self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being.

Find Something That Gives You Deep Meaning

Passion can be the antidote to existential dread. When you feel connected to something, that can fuel life's purpose, helping you feel more rooted in your own existence.

If you don't know what gives you meaning in life, that's okay. You can start by thinking about which life choices cultivate a sense of pride, joy, love, or excitement. Maybe it's time spent with your children. Maybe it's a career-related goal. Maybe it has to do with your spirituality.

Whatever it is, that's yours, and it deserves to be held and protected.

Support for Existential Anxiety and Related Mental Health Concerns

If your existential dread affects your functioning or is holding you back in life, you may benefit from seeking professional help. Persistent feelings of existential angst have a steep cost, and they can prevent you from experiencing meaningful engagement with yourself and others.

At Resurface Group, we help people find their own personal sense of joy and happiness, and we embrace all that can support you in building a meaningful life. Regardless of what's happening in your own life, we are here to validate, guide, and show you new ways of taking care of yourself.

Contact us today to speak to one of our treatment professionals or to learn more about our unique, customized mental health programs.