Existentialism

The narrative of Born on the Spring Equinox is significantly influenced by Existentialism, a philosophical movement that examines human existence, personal freedom, and individual agency. The main character, Angelo, a performing artist diagnosed with bipolar disorder, struggles with feelings of alienation from society, pervasive anxiety about his purpose in life, and the imperative to forge a unique identity within an indifferent universe. Existentialism, prominent in 19th and 20th-century philosophy, emphasises the importance of personal choice, moral responsibility, and subjective experience. It claims that "existence precedes essence", meaning humans are not born with predetermined purposes but must create their own meaning through deliberate actions and decisions in a universe often perceived as absurd or purposeless. Central themes include confronting anxiety, pursuing authenticity through honest self-awareness, and accepting radical freedom—the capacity and duty to shape one’s destiny.

Existential philosophy has profoundly influenced psychology, especially existential therapy, as well as literature, both of which emphasise the richness of human experience and the importance of personal choice.

Key Principles of Existentialism

• Existence Precedes Essence: Humans emerge into existence without inherent purpose and define themselves through their choices and actions.
• Radical Freedom & Responsibility: Without divine decree or fixed human nature, individuals possess complete freedom to select their paths and are fully accountable for their consequences.
• The Absurd: The tension between humans' innate quest for meaning and the universe’s silence and indifference towards this pursuit.
• Authenticity: Living authentically involves embracing one's freedom, making genuine choices aligned with one’s true self, and resisting "bad faith", a denial of freedom to evade responsibility.
• Angst/Anxiety: Recognising the scope of personal freedom and responsibility can produce existential dread, as individuals grapple with the weight of creating their own purpose.

Key Figures

• Albert Camus: Highlighted the absurd condition of human life and urged embracing life passionately despite its lack of inherent meaning.
• Jean-Paul Sartre: Named the concept that "existence precedes essence" and introduced "bad faith", a form of self-deception used to evade authentic freedom.
• Martin Heidegger: Explored the concept of "being" (Dasein) and stressed the importance of authentic existence rooted in awareness of mortality.
• Friedrich Nietzsche: Declared the death of God, emphasising the necessity for individuals to create their own values and moral frameworks.
• Søren Kierkegaard: Often regarded as the father of existentialism, focusing on subjective truth and individual choice as essential for authentic existence.

Common Misconceptions

• Existentialism is not necessarily nihilism; while acknowledging the absence of inherent objective meaning, it encourages individuals to forge their own subjective purpose.
• It is not strictly atheistic—though often associated with atheism (e.g., Sartre)—but argues that if God does not exist, humans must assume full responsibility for constructing values.

Existentialism and Bipolar Disorder

In Born on the Spring Equinox, Angelo is diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his early twenties —a mental health condition characterised by significant mood swings between episodes of mania, involving increased energy, impulsivity, and grandiosity, and depression, marked by intense sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue. Existentialism intersects with bipolar disorder through the concept of "existential despair", a state where ongoing mood instability prompts profound questions about personal purpose, freedom, and mortality. While medication—such as mood stabilisers like lithium or anticonvulsants—is essential for managing physical symptoms and preventing extreme mood episodes, effectively addressing existential despair requires a therapeutic approach that explores the patient's lived experiences, personal meanings, and sense of identity beyond symptom control.

Existential Challenges in Bipolar Disorder

• Existential Despair: Often presenting as chronic, low-grade depression, this despair manifests as a persistent sense of loss—for careers, meaningful relationships, or a sense of self—extending beyond clinical depression and hindering quality of life.
• Meaninglessness and Isolation: The cyclical nature of bipolar disorder can reinforce feelings of disconnection from "normal" life, fostering a sense that existence lacks inherent meaning. Patients may feel estranged from societal norms and their own internal stability.
• Freedom and Responsibility: Those with bipolar disorder may struggle with the paradox of having the freedom to make choices while feeling constrained by their condition. This tension influences their perceptions of autonomy and personal responsibility, especially in managing energy fluctuations, emotional extremes, and treatment adherence.
• Death and Limitation: Confronting the chronicity of the illness often raises existential concerns about mortality. Patients might develop a heightened awareness of life's fragility, contemplating their limitations and the finite nature of existence.