Why having an Existential Crisis is completely normal (and even necessary)

Complete Recovery Course for recovering from DP/DR & Existential Anxiety:
www.spiritcoac...
1 on 1 coachsessions: www.spiritcoac...
Instagram @robinschindelka

[@Anjel99-i8o]

Story of my life. It first hit me like a thunderbolt at 19. The existential dread, the awareness that one day ill just stop existing. That everything I do is in vain. It somehow subsided but now that I'm 26 it has returned. My grandma died recently in my arms. I saw her take her last breath as I was frantically trying to give her cpr. The shock, helplessness, fear, and grief I felt and am still feeling is beyond anything I've ever experienced. Now I'm stuck with all these anxious, nihilistic thoughts. If only I were religious! Faith would most likely provide a sense of comfort, security and relief...

[@jayb9717]

I am sorry for your loss. My depersonalization disorder and existential anxiety/obsessions began 1 week after my grand mother's death so I can totally relate. I thought the same thing about religion. I am agnostic, my mind won't let me just have ''faith''. It needs facts and science, so I can't just believe in a greater power that will take of everything. We just have to trust ourselves and believe that we can heal like thousands did before us.

[@matkal671]

@@jayb9717I don’t have the same experience with grief but I am empathic towards you and the OC and I agree with you completely i keep feeling like I wish I could be a believer for the amount of comfort it seems to bring others and that’s all I guess

[@User29-hg6nx]

This is so me!! I am 18 yo right now and from past 1 month I have experienced all of that.

[@Vylieeeee23]

Hey, I just wanted to give you all some hope. I know that If you are looking in the comments just like I was several weeks ago, it’s probably because you want to hear stories about recovery. It developped existential depression And it did not last long. Only a few weeks. It goes away. Weather because your brain just gets used to it so it kind of no longer pays attention to that or other way. Know that if your existential dread is accompanied by generalized anxiety or panic attack it is not something that you just have to endure, I didn’t. I saw a therapist who made me take some pills for the anxiety thing and when I found myself going better I could work on the existential thoughts more clearly. This is mental health issues. Existential questioning is okay and thinking about it a lot is also okay. Whereas going insane about it is not. Seek help . It’s the best thing that I did. I am now fully ok

[@waggytail289]

My existential anxiety is gradually transforming into a comedy show. I've started to laugh out loud when I observe myself within this absurdly tragic/hilarious world. My pain becomes a tickle for a brief moment and I experience a release from the grip of the matrix. Thank you for your encouraging videos. Joe. UK.

[@mothbythesea]

Me too! 💕

[@mesalouis8976]

Everything seems silly.🥴

[@kayleydrummond1819]

i just started experiencing dpdr for the first time ever and then a couple months later the existential ocd/thoughts started coming. now im stuck in this cycle of anxiety over the fact that i exist. i feel so disconnected from myself and cannot even look at the sky without having anxiety. it's ruining my life.

[@jasminakochanowicz1007]

Please get help, it can really help! Also whT helped me is thinking that im universe dust in a human form and universe is always around me, no matter time, space, anything! It really helped get out of the loop of thinking that life is like a long metal rod that were stuck on. Insread its messy and beautiful♡

[@irenaw2504]

Hi Kayley, how are you now? Have you recovered from existential thoughts yet?

[@nayankrishna4918]

@@irenaw2504Hey, did you recover?

[@yashbagade6276]

Hey, I know how this feels like Please don't resist your feelings and emotions let it flow through your body And try to remain calm during this process I know it sound scary but trust me it will help I too get anxiety a lot while sitting casually or sleeping it's annoying i know but just welcome your emotions and thoughts and focus on your breathing You are experiencing dpdr but trust me it's temporary, it's just a phase of your life where god is testing you. And yes god tests only those who are strong enough to deal with it and definitely you are stronger than you think you are. I too get existential thoughts about Earth specially, why do I Live on earth why only earth why not Jupiter Saturn etc.. It's terrifying but I just stay calm and meditate when I get these feelings and emotions, Your mind is like sky, and your thoughts are just like clouds.. Don't get engaged with your thoughts cause those thoughts are just thoughts not your life. Hope you recover soon and reply back to update your recovery journey. Stay strong

[@kayleydrummond1819]

@@yashbagade6276 thank you so much 🤍 i really appreciate it! im sorry you experience the same things, we can get through this.

[@loriar1027]

I’m a recent retiree who has been looking forward to retirement for so long. This is the life I’ve always wanted for myself but suddenly I’m having panic attacks all the time and out of the blue. It makes no sense.

[@mothbythesea]

Similarly mine came from achieving a huge dream of mine. I feel robbed.

[@cutieteddy4444]

I contacted Robin recently after suffering from DPDR / Existential OCD and have started working through her Recovery Course. It has helped calm my thoughts a lot (along with medication) and she is so sweet & responsive. I highly recommend to anyone who is suffering.

[@robinschindelka2117]

This is so sweet! Thank you Demi 🥰

[@cutieteddy4444]

@@robinschindelka2117 no worries - thank you so much for helping so many of us!

[@nayankrishna4918]

@@cutieteddy4444hey fid you recover?

[@alienoverlordsnow1786]

Wow, great video and very helpful, thank you so much. I am in an existential crisis(57 yo M), and it helps so much to know that its normal and even neccessary to make spiritual progress, so I can practice acceptance and let go of the resistance and stop the negative focus! You are wonderful and amazing! Other videos I watched helped so little, yours helps a lot. I think you were a great bodhisattva in your last lifetime and in this one too!!

[@robinschindelka2117]

Wow, this honestly means the world to me. Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! I wish you all the best and good luck in your progress.

[@alienoverlordsnow1786]

@@robinschindelka2117 Thank you, you are very kind, and I am grateful for all the wisdom you are sharing! I look forward to watching all of your new videos and your old ones too! Never give up! With your dedication and natural coaching talent, I believe you will be very, very successfull and completely fulfilled in your life! -Paul.

[@StevenSenjaya]

I even had my first existential crisis when I was 9 or 10. I felt weird like, "How did I exist, why did I exist? etc"

[@labreaspivey3074]

I appreciate you describing this in a way that can be comprehended. I have been scared for a bit and now getting to a place when I feel I’m feeling better. To hear that this is normal… Thank you so much.

[@thelizzy306]

I cried, thank you. I felt a slight relieve that my emotions are okay

[@babiiluv7931]

Hello!!! Thank you for making this video. I’m in a space where I am grounded within myself again. I still have times throughout the day where the realizations- which is scary And raise my anxiety just a little. Then it goes away. I went through this when I was DP/DR. Scariest time of my life. Then those thoughts came. I am able to look at the stars again and enjoy the morning sun in admiration and amazement again.

[@robinschindelka2117]

That's so amazing to hear! Incredible. Very happy for you ❤️

[@ailee.n]

how are you feeling now? do you still get those thoughts daily?

[@babiiluv7931]

@@ailee.n hey! Yes I do but they kinda of died down. I still have this linger feeling of my existence With my environment. I cry a lot now more than ever. I just want this awakening to be over and done.

[@ailee.n]

@@babiiluv7931 I’m so sorry :( I’ve been feeling like this the past almost 2 months & I want this “awakening” to end too. I miss the way i was living before I was so aware of my mortality and consciousness, I’m going to start therapy soon. I hope one day soon we both completely heal from this and live like everyone else around us

[@babiiluv7931]

@@ailee.n exactly I’m so tired I’m crying right now typing to you about. This suffering is agonizing. Now I am in the angry 😡stage and sadness😞

[@conantheseptuagenarian3824]

the problem with this wholesome interpretation of mental illness is that some people don't recover. my father committed suicide because of severe anxiety and depression. i've been ill for the last thirteen years and it's completely wiped out everything i ever cared about or enjoyed. it's consumed the best years of my life and it's really difficult to see any good in it.

[@drizz7830]

Everyone can recover. You’re giving a very pessimistic point on it and you’re making others think otherwise which you shouldn’t do. 1 of my family members was very very low and couldn’t function properly. But they recovered. You have to seek the right treatment and heal within your self.

[@loriar1027]

It’s true that what you’re talking about is a whole different animal than what’s discussed here. As a fellow sufferer myself, I hope you find the help you need. There’s nothing wrong with taking medication and trying different forms of meditation or spiritual help. It’s all valid. I hope you find the help you need!

[@jasminakochanowicz1007]

Going thru it right now! And have been for the past few months... im only 17 and its extremly scary of course and all the feeling you describe I feel the same. I do feel like im maling progress but its really, rrally slow 🥺 what helps a lot is to thing that im made of like universe dust, a port of this beautiful world im able to enjoy! I actually feel dread the most when things are mediocer- like borong for example. It just hard not to thing that when im bored in class and just not enjoying life...

[@scottlinehan7806]

You sound like an atheist

[@stylianospapadopoulos6139]

Explaining an existential crisis as a part of a dialectical process realy makes dealing with it easier. You are truly a philosophical mind for coming up with such an arument.

[@KevinChinn88]

Thank you SO much Robin! I needed to hear this. I am in the pit right now, wondering what's wrong with me. Wondering if it will ever end. This video sheds light on my situation and that I can overcome it. Thank you and God Bless you!

[@robinschindelka2117]

You're welcome! Thank you for the beautiful comment 😊

[@MrMercurii]

Video couldn’t have come at a better time, thank you ! Been dealing with this these past few weeks.

[@robinschindelka2117]

You're welcome! Good luck to you. Hope you feel better soon :)

[@scottlinehan7806]

@@robinschindelka2117 have you ever heard of apeirophobia?

[@stargirl3972]

finding your channel has literally given me so much hope! THANKYOU💘💘💘

[@johncarter1150]

Yes to all you are sharing, you have an understanding of the E.C. experience that will help others! Positive thoughts for your message reaching an ever increasing audience!... Love to the Lonely Hope to the helpless Gratitude to you in sharing your presence !

[@robinschindelka2117]

Thank you John! Very sweet comment. I really appreciate it :)

[@benjamincrabtree3102]

I’m so thankful for your channel!

[@camilabriceno2552]

It’s a very good video. I think that you have used great words selection and lots of tact with the subject. Thank you very much helping on this crazy thing called life ❤

[@samg6246]

thank goodness for your videos, you’ve been a huge help in my recovery :)

[@robinschindelka2117]

You're so welcome Sam! Thank you so much for your consistent support. Really appreciate it ❤️

[@emmasophiaa]

this is so helpful to me as i am going through an existential crisis right now. thank you so much

[@scotchvelo]

What about feeling completely terrified of completely normal, harmless thoughts? Like, “look, theres a nice tree,” or “that sandwich looks good,” or “that car is blue”…stuff like that. This happens to me, and I wonder if what’s going on is that these otherwise completely innocuous thoughts and observations feel scary because an invisible “voice” in my heading keeps whispering, “hey, what if harmless thoughts really freaked you out? That was be bad! That would mean you’re hopelessly mentally ill,” etc etc. Does make any sense?

[@tyfife79]

This is an anxiety disorder where completely harmless things frighten you. What's important to understand is that it is a disorder caused by an interpersonal crisis which caused you to become disoriented with your own mental faculties (thoughts). The voice in your head is simply a narrative that helps you navigate and understand the world. By the means of healthy practices like meditation, exercise and a balanced diet you can regulate your brain and become aware that the thoughts are being caused by that interpersonal crisis. It could have been anything from brain damage to social embarrassment, or even existential questions, and thus, it can be easy to become very confused and disoriented. As someone who is currently going through an existential crisis, I copiously have experimented with drugs and alcohol to ease the anxiety. What I'm discovering is that I've had anxiety for a long long time and that actually led me to ask existential questions. With untreated anxiety that can be catastrophic. Like she explains in the video, having these thoughts about reality is very normal and it's in our nature as these beings. But perpetual anxiety is not normal and only wrecks our mind and body. What really helped me was being able to decipher fact from fiction; the scenarios that the mind can conjure can be so convincing. For example, someone judges your hair. Your mind will try to find any real reason that your hair is a mess. But if you remember earlier that morning you'd know that your hair looks completely fine. So what the mind does is it tries to defend you from potential hazards, but when you can decipher true danger from fictional danger, like someone's judgment of you, you will be able to realize how safe you really are. Feeling safe and secure is essential, and the best way to do that is to relax the body. Once the body is calm, the mind will also calm and regulate its functioning. Believe me when I say I know how hard that can be. The only way it's done is by giving up the things worsening the condition, like junk food, drugs and alcohol, negative addictions, fantasies, obsessions, judgements, interpretations, perceptions, etc. Little by little or maybe by large you will notice a difference in your behavior where you are less afraid since you see the truth before you, and the truth is that there is absolutely nothing to be scared of. You can regulate your mind and body, and you are completely capable of overcoming any obstacle you might face. "Being in the face of adversity is not the challenge, the challenge is our estimate of it." "Fear is the illusion. Love is Awareness, the Truth." "The Truth will set you free." You got this 👍

[@laisaxavier374]

@@tyfife79thank you so much for your comment

[@tyfife79]

@@laisaxavier374 Of course 😀 thanks for the reply. It is good to read this again.

[@wocays1]

You are incredible Robin. Thank you for all of your help 🙏

[@robinschindelka2117]

That's so sweet! You're very welcome ❤️

[@2k3SteedaGT]

Thank you so much for this 😭

[@shawngoldman3762]

Wonderful commentary. Thanks

[@ashleighstark4804]

You’re an amazing woman

[@visitorianserg5186]

I used it as a catalyst for growth, the crisis was a calling for an purposeful and authentic life for me.

[@ryanboyer4942]

I'd love to hear how you actualized this into your life? I'm sitting here thinking and thinking, but I think i need to ACT?

[@visitorianserg5186]

​@@ryanboyer4942You are ruminating/obsesing about it, My existential rumination/obsession, crisis, dread and angst was fueled by anxiety and depression in general, its a long and personal story for me, Carl Jung's approach on anxiety resonates well with me so you can take a look on his approach, you can get a glimpse of that approach on how I actualize this in my life.

[@visitorianserg5186]

@@ryanboyer4942 It's a very long and personal journey, but to summarize... The approach I took involved adopting a new attitude towards life. The symptoms, including existential anxiety, dread, crisis obsession, rumination, and even DPDR (Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder), were caused by internal conflict and turmoil. There was a part of me longing for a meaningful and purposeful life, yet my current self, attitude, situation, and overall life path were devoid of that. So the existential angst or dread I suffered serves as a sign, message, or signal from my unconscious, indicating a DISCREPANCY between my current life path and the authentic inner values within me, mostly related to existential concerns. I resolved it by aligning my current self and attitude with my authentic inner values. As I gained many insights throughout the process, the distress coming from existential concerns gradually subsided. While I still experience the thoughts, the anxiety and dread have significantly reduced The goal of my recovery approach was not to return to my old self, but to embrace a new self. The distress and symptoms serve as mere signs or signals that something is amiss in my life. I hope this resonates well with you because it did worked on me

[@visitorianserg5186]

@@ryanboyer4942 It's a very long and personal journey, but to summarize... The approach I took involved adopting a new attitude towards life. The symptoms, including existential anxiety, dread, crisis obsession, rumination, and even DPDR, were caused by internal conflict and turmoil. There was a part of me longing for a meaningful and purposeful life, yet my current self, attitude, situation, and overall life path were devoid of that. So the existential angst or dread I suffered serves as a sign, message, or signal from my unconscious, indicating a DISCREPANCY between my current life path and the authentic inner values within me, mostly related to existential concerns. I resolved it by aligning my current self and attitude with my authentic inner values. As I gained many insights throughout the process, the distress coming from existential concerns gradually subsided. While I still experience the thoughts, the anxiety and dread have significantly reduced. The goal of my recovery approach was not to return to my old self, but to embrace a new self. The distress and symptoms serve as mere signs or signals that something is amiss in my life. I hope this resonates well with you because it did worked on me.

[@visitorianserg5186]

@@ryanboyer4942 I have detailed my personal approach but youtube deleted my reply because somewhat my approach is related to a mental health issue, but to sum it up, A new attitude to life was my approach because the distress was a sign and signal that there is amiss in my life.

[@angiemirles1799]

Have you ever had thoughts of how can you see how can you process all this and etc like you are so deep in thought that you black out kinda and looking at stuff is scary cause it’s like how

[@yashbagade6276]

Hello mam I'm suffering from existencial crisis a lot. I have questions like Why do i live on earth, Why only earth? Why not venus mercury etc.. I think I'm stuck, but surely ill recover but ..i need some support I just want to be a normal human being🥺 that's it I just want to live the life i want to with my parents I feel some sort of relief when i watch your video but after some time the same cycle continues. I wish i recover soon from this and this anxiety too. Thank you. Stay strong friends. We are not alone.

[@sitbackandrelax6374]

How are you doing now brother?

[@bookworm05234]

I am in one but I am dealing with other things too so it’s a lot.

[@BJGvlogs]

Thank u so much dear..gor this video….i feel a bit better now….and

[@samantaandrade8164]

Hi Robin! My dp / dr has decreased (I take medication and have practiced acceptance) but I still have existential thoughts and doubts. I feel like I live in a memory or in a circle. This is normal? Is it related to anxiety and depression?

[@chechedobrik6456]

Yes I'm dealing with something similar and its linked to anxiety because I believe that the thought of living in a memory or a dream is seems kinda odd and scary which leads to more anxiety. Trust yourself and the process you are not alone!

[@pitchbuckets2860]

The medicine helps the feelings sometimes but thought loops are the real culprit. Thoughts trigger the feelings and anxiety it sucks we addesss the feeling easier with meds but the thought are the root.

[@irenaw2504]

Hi, how are you now? Have you recovered from dpdr/existential thoughts?

[@irenaw2504]

@@chechedobrik6456 Hi, how are you now? Have you recovered from dpdr and scary existential thoughts yet?

[@AS-pn5zl]

Angel ❤

[@derkollege2723]

Is it normal in an existencial crisis to be obsessed by the topic of enlightment? .. Sorry 4 Spam

[@AceOfHearts001]

I loved your video

[@ahmadmumtaz4947]

Where is description link ….?? I clicked on that but was not able to download/open/ watch it .. can you resolve help that out..!!? Thanks & Gratitude for sharing this..!!

[@robinschindelka2117]

This is the link to the course! Other coaching options are on there as well 😊 www.spiritcoaching.be/en/product/dpdr-existential-anxiety-recovery-course/

[@ahmadmumtaz4947]

@@robinschindelka2117 thanks a lot : one thing more have you read JP Sartre ( French) and Albert Camus( French ) Kierkegaard ( Danish) post modern Philosophers : consider Authority on Existentialism and Absurdity of life ..??

[@robinschindelka2117]

@@ahmadmumtaz4947 Yes!

[@ahmadmumtaz4947]

@@robinschindelka2117 : Your content is great plus the selection of topic which is pretty relevant: believe me you are doing great explaining dissecting clarifying : and above all / last but not the least your attitude of positivity hopefulness optimism and positivity : is the exact / required medicines/ vitamins : deserved appreciation from across the globe..!!

[@robinschindelka2117]

@@ahmadmumtaz4947 that is so sweet! Thank you so so much 🥰

[@jbjb7843]

Hello Robin, what do you think is the best cure to overcome existential thoughts?

[@trollzynisaacjohan1793]

Stop being cynical. Stop thinking about conspiracies. Don't watch the news. Delete social media. Be positive and know that it will get better. Your mind is your greatest Allie. It doesn't have to be your enemy.

[@scottlinehan7806]

@@trollzynisaacjohan1793 stop listening to atheists as well

[@SlamJamMusic]

@@scottlinehan7806 strange. atheism has been one of if not my only comfort through this time. the thought that there is a greater consciousness that made everything terrifies me, even though it does make sense. what would god's experience be like? is he also capable of an existential crisis? like the religious ocd just spirals out of control when i think about it.

[@scottlinehan7806]

@@SlamJamMusic true Jam but I think the thoughts of nothing is even more scary. Its a lose lose situation.

[@SlamJamMusic]

@@scottlinehan7806 the fact of the matter is that we literally cannot know for sure until we die, so either way it *can* be a scary thought. i am almost convinced that the anxiety doesnt stem from the existential ocd, instead its the other way around. because when i work out or spend time with friends and family, the existential thoughts go away or at least become more sparse.

[@Guriyaajay1234]

Done do done lo 👌👌👍👌

[@housse51]

I invite you to read, just read, the Qur'an with open heart and open mind.

[@robinschindelka2117]

I am actually reading it! 😊