Continued Confessions
they never seem to end
Poised on the precipice of existential dread. I awoke this morning with that sentence fully formed so now I have to determine what on earth it means. For those of you with prurient interests, you may be disappointed after my previous introduction to my Sunday post. But I am strictly going with the flow as my generation likes to approach life. When my subconscious presents me with my topic, I have to explore it.
I have to admit that it helps to live in the vicinity of the Monte Cristo Cottage, a National Historic Landmark since 1971 owned and operated by the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center and setting for the most famous play by this American dramatist. And doubly fitting that the title of that play is “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” which I find particularly apt to describe this moment as we rattle towards November.
As I researched the concept of existential dread, I find that it may include anxiety, depression, loneliness or isolation, lack of motivation or energy, and obsessive thoughts. While an existential crisis is not a mental health condition in and of itself, the underlying causes may require treatment. WebMD goes on to discuss the fact that major life events can cause you to rethink your beliefs and values, and that even positive events can have an impact. I suffered quite severely from depression after my breast cancer, and I read this morning that having a serious illness can cause you to question your approach to life. Thankfully, I received treatment and came out the other side with no recurrences. That time of my life has informed much of my current ability to cope with every day stuff, while empathizing with others still suffering.
The description of what can cause the dread continues to say that '“accidents and injuries can also be impactful, as can living through a natural disaster or a great societal change” with my immediate emphasis on the latter. No specific medical intervention is described, although obviously some of the underlying conditions (such as OCD or bi-polar disorder) will need treatment. But a list of self-help strategies includes reaching out to others and strengthening your social connections (I noted previously Dr. Ruth’s new book on the subject) and writing in a journal (a gratitude journal may be specially helpful).
Isn’t it interesting that I discovered Substack just when I most needed an outlet for my writing. Instead of wallowing in existential dread over current events, I can reach out and share my concerns with my readers and be thankful for all the wonderful writers here who are also on Team Save Democracy.
Stay strong Katharine. A lot are profoundly concerned about the election, but there is much to celebrate. We have never had more information. The election will be held under the glaring lights of an obsessed electorate, with little opportunity for fraud. And as with '20 and '22 voting will be at all-time highs, and dramatically so. This bodes well.
Existential dread from causes such as accidents and injuries, natural disasters, major health setbacks, and climate change are all part of a list of things that for the most part we don’t have control over.
Existential dread caused by great societal change may be a cause one might have some foresight of or potential to shape or mitigate as it happens.
In all cases the causes present challenges and opportunities, a call to action. It doesn’t matter how big or how small. Action is the key. Just do something, anything, and be glad you did and acknowledge the progress one makes, no matter how big or small.
Coping with everyday stuff, empathizing with others, expressing gratitude are all commendable qualities.