Existential Dread: How to Navigate It
Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night, questioning the meaning of life, your purpose, or what any of this is all for? Maybe it’s triggered by a major life transition, a global event, or even a quiet moment of reflection. If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing something known as existential dread.
At Mile High Psychiatry, we understand how unsettling and overwhelming these thoughts can be. You’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not broken. Existential dread is a natural part of being human, and with the right tools and support, it can be managed and even used as a path toward personal growth.

What Is Existential Dread?
Existential dread is a deep, sometimes overwhelming sense of anxiety or unease about life’s big questions. It’s not just everyday stress or worry; it’s the emotional discomfort that arises when you start asking questions like:
- What is the meaning of life?
- What’s my purpose?
- What happens after death?
- Am I living the right way?
- What if nothing really matters?
These questions aren’t always easy to answer, and when they surface, they can lead to a mix of confusion, anxiety, sadness, and even hopelessness. Existential dread can be fleeting for some, but for others, it becomes a persistent mental loop that interferes with daily life and well-being.

What Triggers Existential Dread?
While existential thoughts can arise at any time, they’re often triggered by moments of significant change, uncertainty, or reflection. Some common causes include:
Major Life Transitions
Graduating, changing careers, becoming a parent, or facing retirement can prompt deep reflection about identity, purpose, and the direction of your life.
Loss or Grief
The death of a loved one can bring mortality and meaning into sharp focus, leading to intense existential questioning.
World Events
Pandemics, wars, natural disasters, or social unrest can shake our sense of stability and prompt us to question the world around us and our role within it.
Mental Health Challenges
People who live with anxiety, depression, or trauma may be more likely to experience existential dread, especially during periods of emotional vulnerability.
Quiet Moments of Stillness
Sometimes, existential dread arises in stillness, like during a long walk, a night of insomnia, or a period of solitude, when your mind has the space to wander.
How Existential Dread Affects Your Mental Health
Existential dread can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with it alone. Left unaddressed, it can contribute to or intensify other mental health issues, including:
- Generalized anxiety
- Depression or feelings of hopelessness
- Panic attacks
- Difficulty focusing or making decisions
- Apathy or emotional numbness
- Social withdrawal
It may also lead to a sense of detachment from your life, relationships, or goals, a feeling that you’re simply going through the motions without a deeper connection or meaning.
How to Cope with Existential Dread

While existential questions may not have simple answers, you don’t have to be consumed by them. Here are a few ways to manage existential dread and find a greater sense of peace and purpose.
1. Acknowledge the Thoughts Without Judgment
The first step in managing existential dread is to simply recognize it. It’s okay to have these thoughts. In fact, it’s a sign of deep self-awareness. You’re not overthinking; you’re human. Try not to fight or suppress the discomfort. Acknowledging your feelings without judgment can be grounding in itself.
2. Focus on What You Can Control
When life’s big questions feel too vast, it can help to focus on the small things you can influence. You may not be able to define the meaning of life in one sitting, but you can:
- Reach out to someone you care about
- Create something meaningful
- Engage in a hobby or practice that grounds you
- Volunteer or help someone in need
These small acts can provide a sense of purpose in the here and now.
3. Create Your Own Meaning
Existential dread often stems from the fear that life is meaningless, but what if meaning isn’t something you find, but something you create?
Ask yourself:
- What brings me joy?
- What values matter most to me?
- How can I live in alignment with those values today?
Meaning doesn’t have to be grand. Sometimes it’s found in connection, creativity, service, or simply being present.
4. Practice Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques
Mindfulness helps bring your attention to the present moment, where life is actually happening. When existential dread pulls you into abstract thoughts or future fears, grounding techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or sensory awareness can help bring you back to your body and surroundings.
Try this: Place your hand on your chest and take five slow breaths. Name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. This practice can help disrupt spiraling thoughts and restore a sense of calm.
5. Talk to a Mental Health Professional
You don’t have to face these questions alone. Therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore your fears, develop coping strategies, and begin building a sense of purpose that feels authentic to you.
At Mile High Psychiatry, our experienced mental health providers are here to help you navigate life’s uncertainties with compassion and clarity.
How Mile High Psychiatry Can Support You
Existential dread is a common yet deeply personal experience. At Mile High Psychiatry, we understand how overwhelming these thoughts can feel, and we’re here to help. Whether you’re facing a life transition, dealing with chronic anxiety, or simply feeling lost, our team offers compassionate care tailored to your unique journey.
We offer services designed to help you:
- Manage anxiety and intrusive thoughts
- Reconnect with meaning and purpose
- Address underlying mental health challenges
- Feel more grounded and emotionally balanced
You don’t have to answer life’s biggest questions all at once, but you also don’t have to wrestle with them in silence.
You’re Not Alone in Your Questions
Existential dread may make you feel like you’re floating alone in an ocean of uncertainty, but you’re not. These questions about life, purpose, and meaning are universal. They’re part of what makes us human.
With the right support, you can learn to sit with uncertainty, find moments of clarity, and move forward with a deeper sense of presence and peace.
If you’re ready to explore these thoughts in a safe, supportive space, click here to request an appointment with Mile High Psychiatry today.