An existential crisis is a moment at which an individual
questions the very foundations of his or her life: whether his
or her life has any meaning, purpose or value. This issue of the
meaning and purpose of existence is the topic of the
philosophical school of existentialism. An existential crisis
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; -
Searching for the meaning of life; - 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; An existential crisis is often provoked by a
significant event in the person's life — psychological trauma,
marriage, separation, major loss, the death of a loved one, a
life-threatening experience, a new love partner, psychoactive
drug use, adult children leaving home, reaching a personally-
significant age (turning 16, tu