In times of change, personal identity and collective meaning are often thrown into question. Governments reshaping societal structures, values, and norms can disrupt deeply held beliefs and long-standing assumptions about life, safety, and purpose. It’s hardly surprising that so many feel disillusioned. Have we ever faced such turbulent times?
But how does this state of disillusionment take hold?
Disillusionment arises when major life events—or in this case, sweeping political changes—undermine the beliefs people have long relied on. The familiar is replaced with uncertainty, leaving individuals feeling disoriented, disconnected, and struggling to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. In such moments, people often lose their sense of meaning and purpose, resulting in deep existential unease.
Much like a personal crisis, regime changes can provoke a collective existential crisis. People start to ask fundamental questions: What does it all mean now? Who am I in this new landscape? When governments dismantle the frameworks that have shaped a society for generations, individuals are left grappling with their identity and their place in the world.
Transitions like these, whether personal or societal, challenge our sense of safety and security. A population undergoing regime change can feel as though the ground beneath them has shifted. This loss of stability often leads to existential anxiety—a profound confusion about
life’s purpose, meaning, and freedom.
Ultimately, during times of upheaval, whether personal or political, the struggle to maintain a sense of identity and meaning is both natural and inevitable. The challenge lies in finding new ways to adapt, reconnect, and rediscover purpose amid the uncertainty.
When you feel disillusioned, there are steps you can take to help reconnect and rediscover your sense of purpose. While disillusionment may feel overwhelming, there are ways to regain your footing and restore a sense of meaning.
One helpful approach is to reflect on the past. Although things may seem gloomy in the present, looking back can offer comfort and remind you of the values, experiences, and relationships that shaped you. The past can serve as a source of meaning, providing a sense of continuity and belonging. Revisiting these memories can help you reconnect with your identity and find new ways to move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
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