> I completely believe that we are the only species that feels existential dread, and it’s because we are designed in a special way for purpose and relationship

The alternative explanation is that there's a conflict between our high level of cognitive ability, giving us the power to imagine our own deaths and non-existence, coming into conflict with the baser survival instinct. Design is not a pre-requisite for the feeling of existential dread.

> nothing else has given me the tools to survive all the horrors life throws at you

I'm glad that religion has given you those tools you need, but religion also doesn't have a monopoly on them.