Feeling empty is one of the most devastating experiences for human beings. This existential void, marked by a deep feeling of desolation and disconnection, affects many people, who find themselves immersed in a state where life seems to have lost all meaning. This phenomenon, widely studied and analyzed by professionals such as Prado Psychologists, reveals the complexity of the emotional and psychological well-being of the individual.
Existential emptiness manifests itself as a feeling of loneliness, accompanied by the inability to enjoy things that would normally be pleasurable. It is a painful experience that reflects a crisis of identity and purpose. The true roots of existential emptiness are found in a progressive disconnection from the self, where the individual loses contact with himself, his interests, passions and motivations. This detachment from the self can be the result of extreme dedication to a goal or relationship, neglecting one’s own personal and emotional development. Likewise, stages of significant transition in life, characterized by uncertainty and the need to restructure plans and expectations, can trigger this feeling.
Ignoring or trying to fill the existential void with superficial activities, compulsive consumption or substances, far from solving the problem, can deepen the feeling of emptiness and lead to more serious disorders such as depression. Studies show that people with depression experience an alteration in brain functioning associated with pleasure, which aggravates the feeling of emptiness and hopelessness.
The existential void is a call to rediscover our purpose and reconnect with our deepest being. Through recognition and acceptance of this emptiness, we can transform it into an opportunity for personal growth and the discovery of a deeper meaning in life.
