Therapy Services in New York & New Jersey
Existential Dread
Therapy that helps you focus on one day at a time
What is Existential Dread, Anyways?
Existential dread is that sinking feeling when you grapple with questions like: What’s my purpose? What if everything I’m doing doesn’t matter? What happens when this life ends?
It’s normal to feel this way—especially when we take a step back to think about the bigger picture. But it’s important to remember that you don’t have to have all the answers, and you don’t have to let those questions spiral into an all-consuming sense of anxiety. Let us help you:
Focus on the present moment
Reframe your thoughts
Set small, meaningful goals
It’s More Common Than You Think
It might sound cliché, but existential dread often carries a hidden gift: it signals that you care about living a fulfilling life. This unease reminds you that you want more than just to exist—you want to make your life meaningful.
The key here is to embrace the unknown. You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Life isn’t a test—it’s an ongoing process of exploration, growth, and discovery. And guess what? It’s perfectly okay to stumble along the way.
Leaving Existential Dread Unaddressed Can Result In:
- Chronic Anxiety & Depression
- Avoidance of Life
- Self-Doubt & Insecurity
- Strained Relationships
Don’t wait. Schedule Your Consultation Today
How do I know if I’m having an existential crisis?
An existential crisis often involves intense questioning about your life’s meaning, purpose, and the nature of existence. Signs may include feeling lost or disconnected, constantly doubting your life choices, or facing a deep fear of mortality and the unknown. You might feel overwhelmed by the idea that nothing has inherent meaning or purpose, leaving you with feelings of hopelessness or confusion about your role in the world.
Why do I have existential anxiety?
Existential anxiety can arise from a number of sources, including the contemplation of life’s inherent uncertainty, your own mortality, or the vastness of the universe. It’s natural to experience these feelings when faced with big life transitions or periods of personal growth. The fear of not having a clear purpose or the uncertainty about the future often triggers existential anxiety, and it can be exacerbated by societal pressure, unresolved personal issues, or deep introspection about life’s bigger questions.
What do you say to someone with existential dread?
When speaking to someone experiencing existential dread, it’s helpful to approach the conversation with empathy and understanding. You could say something like, “I understand that it’s tough to face these big questions, but you’re not alone in this. It’s okay not to have all the answers right now. We can explore these feelings together, and sometimes just talking about them can bring clarity.” Reassure them that it’s normal to question life’s meaning, and they don’t have to have everything figured out.
What is existential dread in psychology today?
In Psychology Today, existential dread is often seen as a normal response to confronting the fundamental aspects of human existence—death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness. It’s the anxiety that arises from these deep philosophical and personal concerns. Existential dread can manifest in a variety of ways, from existential depression to a generalized sense of fear or dread about the future. Therapy and existential psychology aim to help individuals confront these fears in a healthy way, promoting personal growth, self-understanding, and a sense of peace with life’s uncertainties.
Virtual Mental Health Therapy Tailored For Your Comfort
Contact us to start therapy conducted through technological means for your convenience.
Video Call Therapy
Online therapy conducted via Zoom. Video meetings allow you to see your therapist from the comfort of your preferred location.
Phone Call Therapy
Full service therapy conducted via a phone call. Have full conversation with your therapist without the need to be seen.
Concierge Therapy
Personal appointments can be tailored to special locations through a prior approved agreement with Dr. Avena.
We hope to make your mental health journey as easy as possible by accepting the below insurances.
Getting Ready For Change
After your scheduled consultation has been completed, you will be emailed onboarding documents needed for officially starting therapy. Completing these documents with accurate information is the first step to getting ready for change.
Some people feel more nervous about scheduling a consultation than others. In order to feel more confident, there are things you can do to get your mind psychologically prepped for your consultation. Whether or not you come to the consultation with prepped notes, your therapist will ask you questions to ascertain your goals for therapy. If you would like a tool to bring for more consultation confidence, consider bringing notes on the bullet points below.
In order to prepare for this consultation, here are a few things you can do (this is optional):
- Ask yourself why you are seeking therapy. Write some bullet points down, about 2 to 4, to be briefly discussed during your consultation.
- Name about 2 to 4 feelings you are struggling with.
- Write 2 to 4 things you are wanting to accomplish from therapy.
Request An Appointment
Reach Out Today, Start Feeling Better Soon.
Phone
212-906-4495
Mailing Address
99 Wall Street #4424 New York, NY 10005
Serving New York & New Jersey via Telehealth | In-Network Insurers | See FAQ for More Payment Information