Existential Depression Is A Depression That Arises When An Individual Confronts Certain Basic Issues Of Existence: Death, Freedom, Isolation And Meaninglessness

Have you ever stayed awake at night, looking into the nothingness that was your darken ceiling and wondering “what is the point of it all?” and considering the meaning of life? This pensive feeling is called existentialism, which is defined as a philosophical approach in which the individual assumes responsibility for acts of free will, without knowing what is ultimately right or wrong (Mirriam-Webster, 2014). At times, this feeling can be overwhelming, and can bring on feelings of anxiety and depression for those examining those big questions of life.

Existentialism focuses on the question of existence: Why are we here? What is the purpose of life? What qualifies as a good life? How should I exist and live in the best possible way? As answer-seeking animals, humans seek to understand the world around them through thought and experimentation. It is no wonder, then, than existentialism can lead people into full blown depression, specifically being depressed in spirit (Park, 2014). Scientists have found that those who are susceptible to existential crises tend to be more intelligent, and are often times labeled as “talented” or “gifted” individuals (Webb, 2014). This has to do with abstract thinking and reasoning skills; essentially, it means that these people are able to wrap their minds around less concrete ideas – such as the meaning of life (Webb, 2014)

Food for thought: Do only people considered intelligent consider these existential questions?

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-Cassey

SOURCES

Park, James. (2014). Being Depressed in Spirit: Deeper Than Psychological Depression. Retrieved from: http://www.tc.umn.edu/~parkx032/CY-DEP.html

Grohol, John. (2014). Depression. Retrieved from: http://psychcentral.com/disorders/depression/

Webb, J. (2014). Existential Depression in Gifted Individuals. Retrieved from: http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10269.aspx

Unknown. (2010). Existential Depression: Another Piece of the Puzzle. Retrieved from: http://www.findingmelissa.co.uk/2010/06/existential-depression-another-piece-of-the-puzzle/

Mirriam-Webster (2014). Mirriam Webster Dictionary. Retrieved from: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/existentialism

Edited by:Tatum Wilson