Existential Crisis

[Sailingtoabetterday]

Hi all, Anyone worked through an existential crisis. I’ve been battling for almost two years, meds, therapy, etc.. I just can’t shake existential dread and worry. I have almost constant anxiety. I’m really desperate. I’ve been reading about Dabrowski’s theory on positive desinagration. Seems relevant. Thanks all!!! Peace

[Jayffel]

I'll have to check on that Dabrowski thing, I haven't heard that. I don't know precisely what you're going through, but I've struggled with general hopelessness and poor self-confidence/self-image in the past and have a few things I've done to manage that. Is that along the lines of what you mean by existential worry, or is this something different (if you don't mind elaborating)?

[Sailingtoabetterday in reply to Jayffel]

I think yes general hopelessness. But also a rejection of almost all I value. My career as an architect is causing constant fear and anxiety because I question whether I should be doing something else. My marriage is in deep trouble because of my depression. My relationship to my two daughters is strained because of my self absorption. I am suffering from anhedonia as well! It’s like I can’t find meaning. Until two years ago I was fun, happy and excited about 5he future. Now just dread that wont seem to subside. I’m pretty sure I have treatment resistant anxiety and depression. This is all sort of a “dark night of the soul”, that seemingly came out of nowhere, but in retrospect I had been burying my emotions for years. Now that I know what I need to do, appreciate the small things on life, open my heart to my wife and kids, let myself feel the love of the universe, I’m not able to feel the will to move in that direction. I feel hopelessly stuck.