When you break down each word within ‘existential depression’, you get: philosophy about the meaning of human existence (existential) and a mental health condition whose symptoms can cause distress in many areas of your life (depression). That is a very broad and basic definition, so let’s break it down further. Have you ever heard of someone going through an existential crisis? This typically happens when someone experiences something that either changes the course of their lives or brings them close to death, which you can imagine, could cause someone to question their purpose or the meaning of life. It is normal as humans to question our existence due to the desire that we have to feel like we have purpose, especially as we move along in the stages of development. Pondering existence and purpose become problematic when the thoughts begin negatively impacting our relationships, our jobs, or our will to continue living.
You may be wondering what could trigger an existential crisis that leads to depression. There is a common misconception that the majority of people who experience existential crisis or existential depression are those in middle adulthood or maturity (age 40+), commonly referred to as “midlife crisis.” Sure, at that point in life, there may be an increased amount of people who become concerned about their purpose in life, what kind of mark they feel they have made on the world, or what the meaning of their life or life in general is; however, existential thoughts can occur at many other important points in development such as high school graduation, choosing a college major, career path, chronic illness, divorce, or loss. At these points in life, we have the freedom to choose, but making those decisions can sometimes seem difficult when the ultimate decision feels life-altering. Experiencing existential thoughts while making these decisions can cause you to feel a great deal of distress, which can lead to developing symptoms of depression.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), does not include existential depression as a condition or as a specifier; however, this does not mean that what you may be feeling is not real. There are many subtypes of depression listed in the DSM-V that exist due to severity and variations in symptoms. While you may experience uncontrollable tearful spells, sadness, lack of motivation, and other common depression symptoms, if you are struggling with existential depression, you may also experience distinct thought patterns surrounding questions about your identity, life, and death. There have been research questions that have eluded to whether or not existential depression is only a part of the grieving process. We know that depression is a stage of grief that typically everyone will experience; however, the depression symptoms usually subside by the end of the grieving process. Researchers tend to agree that if the symptoms are experienced for longer than two weeks, that it is possible you could be suffering from clinical depression.
Research suggests that existential depression can be treated using the same treatment methods used to treat other common forms of depression. Common treatment usually consists of antidepressant medications in combination with talk therapy such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), or Solution Focused Therapy (SFT). The therapists at Niyyah Counseling PLLC are trained in these treatment modalities and are experienced in working within interdisciplinary teams (primary care physicians, psychiatrists, etc.) to offer holistic and individualized treatment. We desire to guide you through your road to recovery. Reach out today to schedule an appointment, we have several therapists with immediate availability!