Existential Concerns and Chronic Illness
Psychology Today
by Katie Willard Virant MSW, JD, LCSWFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Chronic illnesses often force individuals to confront deep existential questions about identity, meaning, and mortality, leading to an existential crisis. This journey can disrupt a person’s sense of self, purpose, and connection to the world. Existential therapy emerges as a powerful tool to navigate these challenges by encouraging individuals to embrace their agency, find new meaning, and accept the complexities of life and death.
One key theme is freedom: even in the face of illness, people retain some control over how they respond to their condition. This might involve choosing to adapt their lifestyle or seeking support systems. Meaninglessness often arises as chronic illness upends familiar life structures, leaving individuals questioning their identity and purpose. Philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard describe such disruptions as “strokes of fate” that force us to rebuild our sense of self and find new meaning.
The awareness of mortality is another central issue for those with chronic illnesses. Illnesses can make death feel more immediate, highlighting the fragility of life and prompting reflections on how to live fully despite this reality. Additionally, isolation often emerges as individuals grapple with feelings of separateness from others who may not fully understand their experience. This sense of alienation can be both profound and challenging, yet it also creates opportunities for deeper self-reflection and connection.
Existential therapy emphasizes the importance of balancing opposing forces—freedom and limitation, meaning and meaninglessness, life and death, isolation and connection. By acknowledging these tensions, individuals can find a middle ground where they accept their circumstances while still seeking purpose and joy. This approach helps them move beyond despair, embracing their ability to create meaning even in difficult times.
For readers interested in health and mental health, understanding the existential dimensions of chronic illness offers valuable insights into coping strategies. It highlights how personal agency, resilience, and connection can help individuals navigate the emotional and psychological challenges of living with a long-term condition. By addressing these existential concerns, people can find ways to thrive despite the limitations imposed by their illness.
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Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/13/2026