Do you ever get overwhelmed with anxiety about dying? Are you living in a perpetual fear or discomfort about issues that might lead to death? If you answered yes to these questions, you might have existential anxiety. Existential anxiety is a constant state of anxiety resulting from the fear of anything that might interfere with a person’s existence, such as aging, terminal illness, and death. Due to the pandemic, the cases of existential anxiety have risen as it has become a reminder of the possibility of death
Although existential anxiety is not a formal DSM-5 diagnosis, it is categorized under the four types of anxiety- situational, biological, psychological, and existential. Situational anxiety is a form of anxiety that stems from a specific situation. Biological anxiety is caused by a disruption in neurotransmitters or hormones. Psychological anxiety is a result of problematic thinking patterns and mental structures. These three forms of anxiety can be successfully treated with a traditional approach, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. In order to treat existential anxiety, different methods must be used, an example being the insight-oriented method.
Existential anxiety is different from the other forms of anxiety since it is firmly established by many different belief systems such as cultural, religious, and family. These belief systems were responsible for various unconscious coping mechanisms. However, when the coping mechanisms stop working, the anxiety starts to unfold. This can be triggered by a reminder of death, whether it's the death of a family, someone you knew, or a mention of death on social media/news. Social psychologists, Sheldon Solomon, Jeff Greenbery, and Tom Pyszczynsku arranged Ernest Becker’s, a cultural anthropologist, work into a formal theory called terror management theory (TMT). According to their research, even by simply presenting the word “death” to a person, it altered their decision making and priorities. Now, with the presence of the pandemic as well as constant exposure to death through our mobile devices, we are always being reminded of death which only increases existential anxiety.
There are a few recommendations for those who wish to seek treatment for it. The first suggestion is to interact with people who have survived life challenges that you live in fear of. There are many people who openly speak about their near-death experiences on all platforms. Reading, listening, and even asking questions can ease many anxieties as well as allow you to come to terms with the idea of living life to the fullest. Another recommendation is to challenge yourself by stepping out of your comfort zone. By making new friends and discovering new places, you can expand your world. This leads you to feel less stagnant in life and more carefree.
With the constant reminders of death that we face everyday, it can lead us to feel scared about dying. Thoughts about the meaning of life may arise as well as behaviors of paranoia. However, there are many ways to treat existential anxiety so that you can enjoy living and take life day by day.
Reference:
Cottone, John G. “Existential Anxiety: What It Is and What to Do about It.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 2 Dec. 2022, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-cube/202212/existential-anxiety-what-it-is-and-what-do-about-it.