What Is an Existential Crisis?

Life has a way of showing up unexpectedly, often just when you think you have it all figured out. This is the essence of an existential crisis — that sudden, sometimes unsettling moment when the foundations of your beliefs, purpose, or identity feel uncertain.

I was reminded of this idea when my nephew recently discovered that his parents are Santa Claus. For a nine-year-old, it’s a small but significant awakening: the realization that something you believed to be absolute isn’t true. In a way, that’s a childhood version of what many adults face during an existential crisis. We begin to question what really matters, what’s real, and what gives life meaning.

An existential crisis is not just about despair — it’s about awareness. It happens when life asks you to pause and reflect, to reconsider your values, your goals, or even your very identity. It can feel disorienting or even painful, but it’s also a signal that you’re engaging deeply with your own existence.

The key to navigating an existential crisis is not trying to be “ready” for it — you rarely are — but being prepared with self-reflection, curiosity, and supportive people in your life. These moments become opportunities for profound personal growth if you allow yourself to lean into them.

During an existential crisis, ask yourself the questions you may have avoided: What truly matters to me? Who do I want to be? How do I want to live? Even small reflections can provide clarity over time.

Remember, existential crises are a natural part of life. They are moments that challenge us, yes, but also invite transformation. They remind us that life isn’t static — it’s a continual process of questioning, learning, and becoming.

You may never feel fully “ready” to face these questions, but leaning into them with openness and honesty is what prepares you for the next stage of your journey.