What does 'existential anxiety' signify?

Existential anxiety refers specifically to the discomfort or unease that emerges from an individual's heightened awareness of their freedom and the inherent responsibilities that accompany that freedom. This type of anxiety is rooted in the recognition that individuals have the capacity to choose their paths in life, which simultaneously brings about the weight of responsibility for those choices.

This anxiety can encompass various feelings, including the fear of making the wrong choices, the burden of creating one's own meaning in life, and the realization that life is not predetermined. It often leads individuals to confront fundamental questions about the nature of existence, authenticity, and self-determination, prompting deep introspection about their values and choices.

Recognizing this aspect of anxiety is crucial in existential therapy, as practitioners aim to help clients navigate these feelings and find meaning in their experiences, rather than simply avoiding the discomfort that comes with awareness of personal freedom and responsibility.