Look at the state of the world we are living in right now.
Navigating what feels like an endless loop of events, the economy doing its thing, AI shaking things up, what should we be prepping or preparing for — it can leave us feeling numb. Let’s not forget to add the news, social media, politics — it’s so loud and it’s exhausting.
And then pile all that on top of your normal day, showing up for work, paying bills, managing relationships — it’s no wonder that many of us are questioning what is the point of it all? If you have ever caught yourself staring off asking the same question, hear this: you are not broken, you are not crazy, and you are definitely not the only one.
In therapy circles we refer to this as existential dread. As much as we would love to avoid this, moments like this are actually excellent reasons to talk to someone, and process what we are feeling.
Why “Struggling with Meaning” Is a Valid Reason for Therapy
Many people think therapy is strictly for processing deep trauma, suicidal ideation, managing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, or even recovering from a breakup. But therapy isn’t just for fixing things that are wrong, it’s for building the life you actually want.
Questioning “what is the point of this,” or “why am I doing all this,” is you rejecting autopilot.
Living in today’s times can be exhausting. We are constantly flooded with information, isolated by screens, and pressured to keep going. It is completely normal and natural to hit a point where our daily routines feel monotonous. Therapy can offer a space to sort through the noise.
What Can Therapy Actually Do for Existential Dread?
You don’t have to figure out life’s big questions all on your own. Working with a mental health professional can help you shift from feeling overwhelmed, or trapped by big questions, to feeling empowered by them.
- You don’t have to carry it alone: Talking honestly with a therapist can make you feel less alone and less ashamed of what you’re going through. Sometimes, just saying the things you’ve been keeping inside can make them feel a little less heavy.
- Find meaning in the small things: When life feels overwhelming, you don’t have to figure everything out at once. Therapy can help you focus on the things that matter to you and find small ways to make your everyday life feel more meaningful.
- Spend less time stuck in your head: Therapy can give you practical ways to quiet the overthinking, manage anxiety, and feel more present in your own life and relationships.
- Focus on what you can control: You can’t control everything happening in the world. But you can figure out what matters to you, what’s within your control, and what kind of life you actually want to build.
Taking the First Step
It’s easy to talk yourself out of therapy with thoughts like, “Other people have real problems.”
But please know, your internal life matters. Feeling disconnected or aimless is a real, valid reason to reach out for support. You don’t have to wait for a total breakdown to deserve a space where you are heard, understood, and supported.
If you’ve been carrying the weight of “what’s the point?” on your own, consider this your sign to reach out to a licensed therapist. Try a session or two, and give yourself a place to process it all. You don’t have to figure out the meaning of life by yourself.
