Abstract
Introduction
Positive mental health has been recognized as a key element of well-being; therefore, mental health professionals increasingly focus on its positive dimensions – optimism, life satisfaction, happiness, self-acceptance, purpose in life and self-efficacy. However, interpretation of mental health and well-being through this lens faces challenges, since humans still cannot solve complex existential problems and overcome painful human experiences as they are a part of human life.
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the concept of existential well-being from the perspective of philosophy and mental health.
Methodology
The study adopted a desktop research methodology. We conducted a systematic search in the electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Relevant studies were identified using search terms: well-being, existential well-being, existential positive psychology, mental health, philosophy, existentialism, culture, death anxiety, meaning in life, existential loneliness, social exclusion, existential guilt, identity, happiness. The authors used phenomenological philosophical and hermeneutic approaches, as well as the interpretive research paradigm.
Results
Being a human, it is impossible to avoid existential challenges and to maintain unchanging positive mental and emotional states. Facing and dealing with a borderline situation such as illness, suffering, struggle, guilt or death, people tend to reflect more intensely on existential questions. Within the framework of existential psychodynamics, the basic conflict of an individual is determined by his/her confrontation with the givens of existence: death, freedom, isolation, meaninglessness, identity, pursuit of happiness. Existential conflicts, which are linked to depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, personality disorders, are generated by the individual’s confrontation with any of these givens. Thus, the search for existential well-being has become inevitable, as existential well-being can act as a predictor of quality of life and may be seen an internal coping resource to deal with borderline life situations.
Conclusion
In the modern world, in which the aggravation of existential problems has reached monstrous proportions, and more and more people, terrorized by wars, catastrophes, economic, environmental, social, political, cultural problems, reject traditional ideas and feel cut off from the integral fabric of existence, existential well-being becomes especially important. The concept of existential well-being expands our understanding of overall well-being, enhances our abilities to achieve sustainable well-being by addressing the deepest layers of human nature and providing awareness of the need for existential growth.