1. Existential angst: The feeling of dread that arises with human freedom and responsibility

To live in the world, is to acknowledge variation that exists in all possibilities. The freedom to make decisions from these possibilities is a responsibility that some may be reluctant to take on. In this case, dreaded feelings of existential angst can manifest. Existential angst not only prevents one from taking action or responsibility for their choices, it also restricts what one perceives to be possible for their life out of fear.

2. Existential nausea- the feeling of nausea that might arise in the face of the absurdity of life

One experiences life in tandem with bodily sensations, however, some feelings occur without an outward intention. In this circumstance, one may experience existential nausea as a fear response from the overwhelming absurdity of life rather than to warn of an internal bacterial invasion. Understanding the salient possibilities of a situation, such as in the attempt to find purpose in a seemingly meaningless existence, can result in the realization of absurdness.

3. Existential anxiety – Anxiety related to the feeling of being insignificant in a meaninglessness universe

When one perceives life as insignificant, this can lead to existential anxiety.  Existential anxiety is a feeling of a threat to life, which can occur when being absorbed with everyday life loses its significance. However, the presence of existential anxiety may be evidence of a previously perceived significance of life, which may or may not be possible to re-establish. Existential anxiety can also result as a loss of existential hope, in which a change in one’s relationship to the world becomes altered and the autobiographical narrative of oneself is then rewritten.

4. Existential guilt – Guilt related to the feeling of not meeting ones potential

Loss of hope may also be related to the existential guilt that is felt when one’s reality and perceived potential do not align. This phenomenon is eloquently described in Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar, as she compares the paralyzing indecision that occurs when one considers the infinite possibilities and potential of life as figs rotting from not being picked. Similarly, when one potential possibility of life is no longer accessible, guilt can arise from the lack of pursuit of it or from pursuing another possibility instead.

Sources:

Stolorow, R. D. (2011). Toward greater authenticity: From shame to existential guilt, anxiety, and grief. International Journal of Psychoanalytic Self Psychology.

Plath, S. (2005). The Bell Jar. Faber & Faber.