An existential crisis is a pressing feeling that a person may have towards life. Such a person may frequently wonder about the inherent meaning or purpose of life. The individual may wonder why they exist in a world that does not seem to have meaning. While it is normal for people to ask themselves questions about life, this habit becomes destructive when they develop a negative outlook towards life.
Traditionally, people found meaning through religion, family, work, or other passions. Most people find purpose in such pursuits, but when an individual can't get satisfaction from such pursuits, they may be experiencing an existential crisis. Most people have an existential crisis related to their mortality. For instance, elderly persons may start despairing about their inevitable death. The feeling can be strong when they have serious health conditions or lose loved ones.