Is it normal to freak out about the fact that you exist?

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Sometimes I really freak myself out when I think about the big pictures in life. A few nights ago I felt a great deal of anxiety because I basically realized that I exist. I feel both blessed and cursed to be alive. On one hand I think life is cool and that there are plenty of amazing things to see and do but on the other hand I am terrified of the fact that one day, despite anything I do on this planet, I will die. I will cease to exist. I can't do a thing to change that. I don't believe in god and I do have an anxiety disorder so these things are especially rough for me to deal with. Is it normal for me to feel this deep existential anxiety when I consider these things?

Is It Normal?
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  • yoyoyou
    13 years ago | pl

    its normal, but nothing to freak out over.

    i have anxiety too, and i also dont believe in god.

    the thing that really freaks me out is thinking about how when im dead, i wont be concious at all. it makes no sense to me. just the thought of not even knowing that im not there. weird stuff.

    but you just need to get over it and realize that this whole universe is random and pointless and chaotic, and we all live for a few years and then die and its over and thats it. thats just how life is. you can still enjoy it nonetheless.

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  • MyDarkestHour_x
    13 years ago | pl

    I'm exactly the same way, except I do believe in God. My mother had a stroke in August and almost died, so that didn't make those thoughts and feelings any better. But you have to just try to live your life to the fullest and not think about it.

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  • [Old Memory]
    13 years ago | pl

    i do this constantly...its kind of trippy when you really think about it...what the fuck is existence anyways?

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  • sportsmom
    13 years ago | pl

    Find God. Then you will have eternal life.

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  • aheur
    13 years ago | pl

    It's normal. I feel claustrophobic when I think about it, almost. It's suffocating and, again, totally normal.

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  • littleone
    13 years ago | pl

    Read Albert Camus or Sartre.

    It's kind of amazing when you get over the fear of existing and realize that your life is yours to live freely.

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  • Jen118584
    13 years ago | pl

    I am so saddened and depressed by that very same thought, I have to just try not to think about it. I don't ever want to die, life is too good.

    I feel freaked out that when I die, things will continue as if I were never here. I will miss things, I'll never know what's going to happen 150 years from now....I also find it weird that when I die, all my "stuff" will outlive me. Like, my furniture, my car. It will all still be here, but I won't.

    I know exactly what you mean. Life is weird! Just try to enjoy it while you have it. I'm told that by the time you get older and you feel more fulfilled, the prospect of death isn't as intimidating, but I'm only 26 and it terrifies me.

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  • PoisonFlowers
    13 years ago | pl

    I have gone through this plenty of times. I know exactly what you mean. It feels like your really seeing things for the first time. It hasn't happened for a while now - I think that's because i've realised that there's no point in stressing. It's normal.

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  • phoenix_paradox
    12 years ago | pl

    You are here to live, don't think you're here to understand.

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