Reminder
It’s important to note that existential depression is not a formal diagnosis.
How Common Is Existential Depression?
About 40% say they either dont have that guiding star or generally feel indifferent.
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You might also experience changes in your sleep patterns.
Specific symptoms of existential depression may include thinking about death and what your life means.
You might also reflect on your life.
It’s important to note that for the person dealing with existential depression, these thoughts are uncomfortable.
Whos Prone to Experiencing Existential Depression?
Some people may be more likely to experience existential depression compared to others.
For example, you might pull away from some of the meaningful relationships in your life.
When you do have a sense of purpose in life, it can help improve levels of life satisfaction.
This translates to a more consistent uplifted mood, positive outlook, and contentment.
Doing so can prompt you to find new perspectives and help lessen depressive feelings and thoughts about lifes meaning.
Use these uncomfortable feelings and probing thoughts about lifes big questions as an opportunity forself-discovery.
Often this involves questioning our assumptions about the world and the way its supposed to be.
Research has found a strong correlation between art therapy/creative expression and improved mental health.
Takeaway
Existential depression is a common human experience.
However, existential depression can occur at any time.
If you feel that youre struggling to find purpose and meaning, try going on a quest of self-discovery.
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But also a healthy one.
Kennedy SH.Core symptoms of major depressive disorder: relevance to diagnosis and treatment.Dialogues Clin Neurosci.
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APA.Manage stress: Strengthen your support web link.
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