Existential depression is a form of depression that is focused entirely on the meaning of life, questioning one’s existence, the dread of meaninglessness, or other aspects of life. Existential depression can be differentiated from other forms of depression by careful appraisal of symptomatology. Existential depression is a clinically discernible diagnostic entity.1
Existential questions may arise from children who are dealing with loss, those who have suffered a fatal diagnosis, or others with existential concerns. In dealing with an existential crisis, it is important to have the courage to confront the loss of meaning and security.2
While existential depression may manifest in similar symptoms to another form of depression, with symptoms like rumination, negative thought patterns, fatigue and more, this type of depression has a root cause of an existential crisis. However, existential depression can be treated with existential therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), wellness tools like journaling, and work with mental health professionals. If you are currently struggling with existential dread, a sense of meaninglessness, clinical depression, or questions about your sense of purpose, our AMFM Mental Health Treatment centers can help. Call our helpline today to learn more about mental health and existential therapy.
Existential Depression often manifests in common depression symptoms:
We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.
If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help.
There are a number of ways for an individual who experiences existential depression to overcome their mental health obstacles with professional help.
Existential therapy is a type of CBT and DBT method of psychotherapy that uses philosophical and psychological elements to help people understand their place in the world. The goal is to develop a sense of meaning in one’s own life, taking an existential approach to mental health therapy, using intellectual ideas to foster a stronger sense of life’s meaning.
General Inquiry Form
"*" indicates required fields
By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.
I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
Contact From Admission Representative:
Complete the form to receive a prompt call back from a member of our experienced and compassionate admissions staff. All communication is 100% confidential.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder that is known for causing persistent sadness, a loss of interest in pleasurable activities, and a range of other emotional and physical symptoms. Symptoms of depression can affect your daily routine, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Individuals who find themselves struggling with helplessness, hopelessness and isolation often benefit from comprehensive mental health treatment. A Mission For Michael has multiple behavioral health centers that offer whole-person care located in California, Minnesota, and Virginia. Our treatment programs blend the use of traditional and holistic treatment methods to provide optimal care.
We provide treatment for a range of mental health disorders, including dual diagnosis conditions. Your treatment journey will begin with a comprehensive depressive assessment so that we can understand the full scope of your depression symptoms. From there, we can review your depression treatment options and help you get the care you need. Continue reading for more information regarding the causes of depression, and how treatment can help you overcome depression.
If you’re wondering whether or not you are currently experiencing a depressive disorder, we have a quiz you can take here.
The general consensus has been that with an increased use of social media, comes low self-esteem, skewed body image, FOMO (fear of missing out), increased eating disorders and more.6 The issue is the misuse of social media, the comparison of one person’s highlight reel of his or her life, being internalized and compared to another young person’s perception of self. In the case of existential crises, gifted children may be faced questioning the purpose of their existence at a younger age with the introduction to social media across generations and peers. The view of another’s life is skewed over social media, and so it can become easy to compare one’s existence to a peer’s “highlight reel” of a social media “life experience.”
According to one study, “Cultural trends contributing to an increase in mood disorders and suicidal thoughts and behaviors since the mid-2000s, including the rise of electronic communication and digital media and declines in sleep duration, may have had a larger impact on younger people, creating a cohort effect.”7 In another, more recent study, 5395 individuals “reported that use of Snapchat, Facebook, or TikTok were more likely to report increased levels of depressive symptoms on a later survey.”8
These days, social media sites have become increasingly entangled in our society and all social interactions. It would be difficult, and likely unrealistic, to remove them altogether. Even in the case of Linkedin, a professional social networking site, social media use is linked to increased levels of depression and anxiety.9 Research shows that for the sake of teen mental health, there need to be guidelines in place to ensure that social media is being used properly, rather than as a tool for self-harm, communities of common distorted self image, or self-harm.10 Community guidelines, mental health resources, and awareness campaigns are constructive to the proper use of social media.
If you’re struggling with your mental health as a result of social media, or otherwise, you can call our helpline today for support and resources.
Request A Call Back
"*" indicates required fields
By submitting this form you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy and give my express written consent for AMFM Healthcare to contact me at the number provided above, even if this number is a wireless number or if I am presently listed on a Do Not Call list.
I understand that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text message or mail regarding my disability benefit case options and that I may be called using automatic dialing equipment. Message and data rates may apply. My consent does not require purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.
What to expect
Contact From Admission Representative:
There are a variety of different antidepressant medications that have been proven as effective treatment (in combination with psychological treatment) for depression. Some types of antidepressants are listed here, but inquire with a licensed medical professional or psychiatrist for detailed information on different treatments. Never take psychiatric medication unless it is prescribed to you, and be sure to consult with medical professionals in case of external risk factors.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)are antidepressant medications that treat different neurotransmitters in order to block the reabsorption of serotonin or norepinephrine, keeping more of the chemicals in the synaptic cleft. Both are effective treatments for depression, but depend upon the individual, and should be approached with medical guidance and professional advice. Click here to learn more about the importance of medication management.
Inpatient Treatment for Depression refers to residential, or live-in mental health care programming in a facility. Inpatient treatment allows you or your loved one to engage in interpersonal therapy with licensed therapists and group therapy sessions, while healing in a safe and supportive environment. Inpatient mental health programming for depression usually also provides the highest level of care, with 24/7 clinical care, psychiatry and medication management, and personalized treatment plans for lasting well-being.
Outpatient Treatment (IOP or PHP) programs offer comprehensive mental health care at a more flexible schedule, with both in-person and virtual options available. Unlike residential care, outpatient treatment can offer online therapy and programming, but without 24/7 clinical teams on staff. Outpatient treatment plans still offer a combination of individual and group therapy, through a holistic approach, but in a less structured environment.
If you have been struggling with self-hatred or another one of the depression symptoms we have mentioned, know that you’re not alone. A Mission For Michael has admission counselors available around the clock to help determine which treatment options can assist you in managing depression. Contact us today to begin your confidential and free mental health assessment.
Yes, most health insurance companies provide some form of coverage for depression treatment. This often includes both inpatient and outpatient care, depending on your symptoms. Coverage generally applies to therapy, counseling, and medication management services. Your plan may have limitations, exclusions, or required authorizations.
We encourage you to verify your coverage with AMFM Mental Health Treatment to understand the full scope of your benefits. This is especially true if you’re looking for specific treatments, like existential depression treatments or persistent depressive disorder treatment options.
What to Expect
Insurance Verification
Our team will verify if your insurance provider is in-network with an AMFM Healthcare Facility.
Contact From Admission Representative:
Expect a call within an hour from an admissions representative to discuss treatment options.
AMFM Mental Health Treatment has extensive experience treating a variety of mental health disorders beyond depression through evidence-based therapies, including but not limited to the following:
Recovery can feel isolating; mental health programming can provide cohesive treatment plans to help you or your loved one as you move forward.
Restifo S. Existential depression: A meaningful diagnostic entity? Australas Psychiatry. 2023 Aug;31(4):502-504. doi: 10.1177/10398562231180492. Epub 2023 Jun 8. PMID: 37288818.
Yang W, Staps T, Hijmans E. Existential crisis and the awareness of dying: the role of meaning and spirituality. Omega (Westport). 2010;61(1):53-69. doi: 10.2190/OM.61.1.c. PMID: 20533648.
Davidson Institute. (2025, April 7). Dabrowski’s theory and existential depression in gifted children and adults. https://www.davidsongifted.org/gifted-blog/dabrowskis-theory-and-existential-depression-in-gifted-children-and-adults/
>Parmentier FBR, García-Toro M, García-Campayo J, Yañez AM, Andrés P, Gili M. Mindfulness and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety in the General Population: The Mediating Roles of Worry, Rumination, Reappraisal and Suppression. Front Psychol. 2019 Mar 8;10:506. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00506. PMID: 30906276; PMCID: PMC6418017.
Nawaz FA, Riaz MMA, Banday NUA, Singh A, Arshad Z, Derby H, Sultan MA. Social media use among adolescents with eating disorders: a double-edged sword. Front Psychiatry. 2024 Feb 9;15:1300182. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1300182. PMID: 38404474; PMCID: PMC10884122.
Twenge, J. M., Cooper, A. B., Joiner, T. E., Duffy, M. E., & Binau, S. G. (2019). Age, period, and cohort trends in mood disorder indicators and suicide-related outcomes in a nationally representative dataset, 2005–2017. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 128(3), 185–199. https://doi.org/10.1037/abn0000410
Perlis RH, Green J, Simonson M, Ognyanova K, Santillana M, Lin J, Quintana A, Chwe H, Druckman J, Lazer D, Baum MA, Della Volpe J. Association Between Social Media Use and Self-reported Symptoms of Depression in US Adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2021 Nov 1;4(11):e2136113. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.36113. PMID: 34812844; PMCID: PMC8611479.
Jones JR, Colditz JB, Shensa A, Sidani JE, Lin LY, Terry MA, Primack BA. Associations Between Internet-Based Professional Social Networking and Emotional Distress. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2016 Oct;19(10):601-608. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2016.0134. PMID: 27732077; PMCID: PMC5067824.
