Existential depression is a form of depression that occurs when a person feels a persistent sense of despair and difficulty discovering the significance of life. They face difficult questions about life, its purpose, and death. Grappling with these ideas can lead to depressive episodes. This type of depression can be triggered by a traumatic event, such as loss, but it can also occur without a specific cause.
The most common existential questions are usually about death, meaninglessness, freedom, and isolation.
Failing to acknowledge that some questions have no answer can lead to a continuous state of distress. The inability to move past these questions and stop repeating them can result in ongoing Existential Depression.
Existential Depression in Highly Intelligent Individuals
Individuals with existential depression may repeatedly dwell on questions without answers, causing them misery. While this form of depression has often been linked to gifted individuals, it is not officially recognized as a diagnosis in the DSM-5. Instead, a doctor may diagnose a person with these symptoms as having major depressive disorder (MDD).
Studies have shown that highly intelligent adults may feel unfulfilled. They are likely to have poor mental health, which can increase the likelihood of experiencing existential depression. Furthermore, evidence indicates that gifted children, who outperform their peers academically, may be at a higher risk of experiencing depression and other mental health issues.
One possible reason for this phenomenon may be that gifted people tend to be highly sensitive and have a strong ability to understand the pain of others. As a result, they may struggle with accepting seemingly senseless suffering.
Gifted children may encounter existential questions early on when they encounter death or become aware of pain and injustice in the world. They may become overwhelmed and distressed when they first start to understand issues such as racism, violence, inequality, climate change, and other forms of harm caused by people, due to their newfound realization of their own limitations.
Theory of Positive Disintegration
In the 1970s, Dabrowski came up with an elaborate theory of personality growth called “positive disintegration.” The theory states that some individuals have a greater capacity to process and think about adverse experiences compared to others. Dabrowski believes these individuals can advance through five stages of personality development, eventually arriving at a genuine sense of self and identity.
The theory posits that certain symptoms of mental health issues, like neurosis, depression, and anxiety, are signs of a deep personal transformation. These symptoms may arise from an individual’s pursuit of their ideal self or their most compassionate self. This theory suggests that the fundamental questions that result in existential depression are not necessarily negative, but rather part of a growth journey that could help you reach your highest potential.
Overcoming Existential Depression
Exploring existential questions can assist you in learning to cope with uncertainties, though this process typically involves accepting uncertainty, which can be challenging for many individuals. Dealing strategies may break the cycle of existential fear and depression.
Take action
The outcome of your life is determined by your decisions and actions. While you cannot control everything, you can make modifications—big or small—to lead a more fulfilling life. If you are afraid of losing those you love, express your love and appreciation to them and make the most of your time together. If you feel your life lacks purpose, examine your personal values, such as creativity, honesty, gratitude, empathy, and curiosity. Consider how your current choices align with those values, and look for ways to reinforce them to find a new sense of purpose.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness techniques help in staying focused on the present moment, and may be beneficial in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. When you concentrate on the present, it can become easier to appreciate the joy, significance, and purpose in your life and move away from negative thoughts.
Although past experiences and uncertainty about the future can cause distress, these are valid aspects of your life, but the past has already passed and the future is yet to be determined. Rather than ignoring these thoughts, it may be helpful to acknowledge them and then move on, allowing you to focus on the present moment, which you have some control over. Meditation and mindful journaling are effective methods to enhance awareness in the present.
Self-care
Self-care is important in coping with existential depression because it helps to maintain physical and emotional well-being, which can improve overall resilience. Practicing self-care activities such as exercise, good nutrition, sufficient sleep, and stress management techniques can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, which are often associated with existential depression.
Engaging in self-care activities that align with one’s personal values and interests can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, helping to counteract feelings of meaninglessness and hopelessness that are common in existential depression. By taking care of oneself, one can better cope with the challenges and difficulties associated with existential depression and maintain overall mental and emotional health.
Professional Treatments
The treatment of depression typically involves a combination of medication and therapy. Antidepressant drugs work by enhancing the way your brain utilizes specific chemicals that regulate mood and stress. Therapies for depression include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and problem-solving therapy.
Humanistic forms of therapy are often successful in treating depression or existential dilemmas. Examples of such therapies include psychoanalysis, narrative therapy, life-review therapy, transpersonal therapy, and client-centered therapy.
No one really knows what the future holds. Constantly thinking about what will happen or dwelling on existential questions will only lead to anxiety, depression, and stress. Life may be difficult, but as you grow older, you learn to anticipate the excitement and possibilities of life.
If you think you are struggling with depression, visit Mindshift Psychological Services. Learn more about our treatment programs that will help you manage depression. You may also contact us at (714) 854-9700 to schedule an appointment.