http://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-an-Existential-Crisis
How to Deal With an Existential Crisis
Once in a while, something (or everything) seems overwhelming. We think about things, sometimes obsessively; and when a problem seems too large or intractable, we feel bad. Maybe you're having a spiritual crisis, or a problem with your accomplishments in life, or with your failures in love or friendship. Feeling bad isn't the problem; the problem is the problem. This is a step by step account of how to respond to existential crises of all sorts.
Steps
Turn on a light, preferably 75 watt or brighter.
If necessary, clean whatever room you're in. Changing your surroundings for the better both clarifies your power over the world and gives you a few minutes to do some problem-solving on a less grandiose scale. Don't just straighten, clean. Use a cleaning product. (Note: Does not apply if you're OCD -- cleaning isn't your problem).
Now, try to verbalize what your problem is. Some people write full-length sentences to help clarify their issues. Others start with a poem that may get the thoughts and feelings flowing. Later, you can elaborate in prose.
Imagine several *different* people you like or respect giving you advice. Don't pick anyone abusive. Or try Mr. Rogers, your first grade teacher, and that girl (boy) you had a crush on in 9th grade. They don't help very much, do they? But it's fun talking to them.
Then imagine yourself giving someone else with your situation some advice. Really, if you were just the person talking to yourself, would you really think this was as big a problem?
If it's between 8am and 10pm, call or ask a parent -- one who loves you.
Now, problem solve. Remember how you figured out how to use that cleaning product? Likewise. If you can't figure it out your problem, well, that just means it's a real problem, for now. If your solution involves long term changes, take a few days to think on it.
So maybe you can't do anything about it right now. If it's late, go to sleep; if you can't sleep, find something to do that does not involve a television or computer screen. Blue light causes insomnia. You'll want to go to sleep later. If it's daytime, get some exercise or finish your job. Be professional. A few successes never hurt anyone.
Tips
Don't decide to refuse to confront your problem on the romantic basis that life is prettier when you suffer. This is crap, and only applies if you actually can't deal with a problem. Most likely, you can. If, maybe, later.
Don't do too much thinking after midnight. Trust me, that never goes well. You might turn into a gremlin or worse yet, a pumpkin. Seriously, you never know.
If you're married or have a live-in-other, here's a rule of thumb: don't wake them up tonight if you did so last night. He or she loves you, but they already gave you the advice you get in this 48-hour period. Suck it up.
Don't be afraid to laugh and make fun of yourself. It's a good way to clear out your self deceptions and get at the heart of your individuality. This practice gives you a true sense of personal freedom. Anyone can laugh at someone else but it takes a true individual to make themselves laugh. This is also a good way to sort out the trivial mistakes/problems from more important ones. If you find it difficult to laugh at something, it's a bigger problem.
Don't ever fool yourself into thinking there is such a thing as a normal. If you believe in normal, you're just adding unnecessary weight to your problems.
Warnings
Whatever you do, don't kill, cut, or maim yourself. Don't make any permanent changes: destroying the only copy of your novel or getting a facial tattoo is unacceptable. You may use henna or dye your hair blue, if you want to get in a fight with your parents.
Don't hesitate to call hotlines. They are there for the benefit of people who have similar difficulties with the troubles life throws at them. Life is hard. Help others and ask for help when you need it.
Respect the existence of others as well. If there is someone or something barricading you from achieving your goal, it is best to determine a mutually beneficial course of action. In other words, killing, maiming, or otherwise harming people is an unacceptable practice which will most likely lead to your own undoing. Live and let live, baby.
Things You'll Need:
Freedom
Individuality
To know yourself
To know what it means to be human
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
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