An existential crisis can occur when the answers to the questions about the meaning and purpose of life (as well as our place in it) no longer provide satisfaction, direction or peace of mind. Here's how to deal with one. Recognize that you're having an existential crisis . If you're questioning the meaning or purpose of your existence, or if the foundations of your life seem shaky and transient, you might be experiencing a crisis (usually called "existential" because it relates to ideas explored by the philosophical school of existentialism), which may result from: The sense of being alone and isolated in the world A new-found grasp or appreciation of one's mortality Believing that one's life has no purpose or external meaning Awareness of one's freedom and the consequences of accepting or rejecting that freedom An extremely pleasurable or hurtful experience that leaves one seeking meaning. [1] 2 Choose the meaning of your life . Existentialism posits that each individual is empowered to choose the parameters of his or her existence. Choosing to add meaning to your life yourself , without the help of anyone else, can ultimately help you resolve an existential crisis. Below are some methods that can help. The Last Messiah Method Norwegian philosopher Peter Wessel Zapffe contends that the human self-conscious is actively engaged in the "repression of its damaging surplus of consciousness," and offers four ways of doing so. They are: Anchoring : Combat feelings of isolation by "anchoring" your consciousness to fixed values or