Existentialism: Finding Meaning

Many of us have heard terms like "existential angst" or "existential crisis" or even "existentialism" but what do they mean? What are we really talking about when we call something "existential" and how does that impact our well-being and mental health?

Existential refers to anything that is concerned with existence. This may include questions we have, such as:

What is the meaning of my life?
Is there a higher power?
How can I manage the pain of knowing we all will die?

Sometimes these questions become very present and loud as worries, fears and sensations demanding our attention. Other times they may fade into the background, but they can still shape our lives, our choices and our feelings of peace and contentedness.

A recent psychological study found that having a sense of purpose in life may have notable health benefits independent of race, ethnicity or gender. Those with a sense of purpose were found to have lower risks of death from any cause, as well as lower risks of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and improved physical functioning.

As a famous existentialist, Viktor Frankl, wrote (borrowed from Nietzsche) about trying to survive the horrors of a concentration camp, "He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how." In other words, finding purpose in what we have to live for, what we love most, gives us strength to bear life's challenges and pain.

So how do we find our "why"? Existential therapy is one way to get help exploring meaning, purpose and quelling fears about the unknown. But there are other ways to get started. For instance, you might compile a list, write a journal, create a vision board or find a similar way to notice the things you love, that bring you joy and make life worth living. Reflect on those things that are important to you and consider: what do I care about so much that I would die for it? Once you know that, you know what you want to live for. That is your purpose, your "why."

Whether that purpose is beloved family or friends, meaningful work or altruism, a message or cause you feel compelled to share with the word, a goal or love in life that exists beyond all others, once you have awareness of this "why" you can consider it when faced with challenges and hardships, choices and decisions. Knowing our "why" gives us strength and freedom to live fully and in alignment with our values, which leads to greater happiness, contentedness and well-being.

Reference: “Purpose in life and 8-year mortality by gender and race/ethnicity among older adults in the U.S” by Koichiro Shiba, Laura D. Kubzansky, David R. Williams, Tyler J. VanderWeele and Eric S. Kim, 22 October 2022, Preventative Medicine.DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed. 2022.107310