INFJ Depression And Mental Health
If you’re an INFJ, you are likely thoughtful and imaginative, guided by an inner vision and personal values. Known as advocates, these are people with Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging personality traits, as measured by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. People with this personality type are frequently affiliated with an insightful, sensitive nature. All the MBTI personality types have specific strengths and weaknesses, and in some ways, these can relate to our emotions, the way we interact with each other, and the way we tend to think. You might be wondering, though, whether some personality types are more likely to face mental health conditions like depression, for example.
While all humans experience emotional ups and downs, INFJs may be more prone to stress due to their introspective and empathetic nature. This personality type generally finds solace in meaningful connections and routines that support their mental well-being. Sleep patterns, for instance, play an important role; poor sleeping habits can amplify emotional challenges, potentially impacting their overall mood.
What Is The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator?
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality test. It is based on Carl Jung’s 16 psychological types. Psychologists and educators frequently depend on the MBTI to help them determine the personalities of their clients and students. It’s often used in career counseling offices and similar settings. However, you can also take the test online for around $50. There are also some adaptations of the test that you can find for free. Many people who take the test feel that it’s a useful reference for identifying their unique personalities. For those seeking an answer to their personality-related questions, it can offer meaningful insights. Even if you don’t use it for a purpose like school or your career, it can be enjoyable to compare results with friends and find an answer or answers to shared traits.
Myers-Briggs results are based on four scales
- People and things (Extraversion or “E”) or ideas and information (Introversion or “I”)
- Facts and reality (Sensing or “S”) or possibilities and potential (Intuition or “N”)
- Logic and truth (Thinking or “T”) or values and relationships (Feeling or “F”)
- Structure and control (Judgment or “J”) or versatility and adaptability (Perception or “P”)
For each pair, people usually favor one of these markers over the other. For example, if someone prefers to be alone with their thoughts, they may score an “I” for introversion. On the other hand, someone who thrives on socializing frequently and gets energy from other people may score an “E” for extroversion. Similarly, someone who tends to approach decision-making opportunities with logic may score a “T” for thinking, whereas someone who often makes choices and processes thoughts with their emotions in mind may be more likely to score an “F” for feeling.
Personality traits vs. depression and other mental health issues
It could be true that some personality traits are affiliated with a higher likelihood of depression. Still, some indicators that may look like personality traits could actually be symptoms or vice versa. For example, someone who appears to be an introvert may be withdrawing from other people due to a mental health condition like social anxiety disorder or depression. Alternatively, an introvert may spend a solid amount of time alone, but it may not be due to a depressive disorder. Qualified healthcare providers like primary care physicians and psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions based on the full criteria for the condition.
INFJ traits and mental health
About 2.3% of the population gets the INFJ result on the MBTI, and each individual who receives this score could have unique characteristics. That said, you might wonder what traits are common among INFJs. The INFJ personality type is often associated with traits such as:
- Perfectionism
- Sensitivity
- Creativity
- Empathy
- Thoughtfulness
INFJs are often seen as deep thinkers, perhaps due to their introspective nature, compassion, and perceptiveness. Some of their common traits, such as perfectionism and emotional suppression, may have the potential to impact mental health.
Regardless of your MBTI type, if you do have perfectionist tendencies or difficulty sharing your feelings with others, it may be possible to get to a place where these concerns impact your life less. Taking time for self-care, addressing your mood, and finding supportive relationships can help in maintaining balance.
Use your strengths
The MBTI can give us insights into our strengths as well as possible challenges or weaknesses. INFJs often build close friendships with a select group of people, and within those friendships, they can be excellent listeners who know how to make people feel both special and heard. A common misconception is that introverts don’t have social relationships. On the contrary, they do enjoy socializing, but they may need more time alone compared to their extroverted peers.
There are times when INFJs may need to implement additional self-care techniques, whether this surrounds social situations or other parts of life like work, for instance. They may find it challenging to navigate their job when overwhelmed by emotions or expectations. At times, traits like emotional sensitivity — which is not necessarily a negative attribute and is often a strength — may lead to a need for communication. There are times when an INFJ may need to take a break from social interactions, particularly in situations where they face high levels of stress or feel overwhelmed. It may be important for an INFJ to maintain schedules, routines, and surroundings that are supportive of them. Engaging in activities like reading or exploring topics of interest can also provide a sense of calm and focus.
What can I do if I think I have INFJ depression?
Whether you are an INFJ or not, you might consider making an appointment with a healthcare professional, such as your primary care physician or mental healthcare provider, if you believe that you may have depression. Depressive disorders have the potential to impact anyone, and if you’re living with depression, it could be helpful to know that feeling depressed is never your fault.
Consider therapy
Therapy is a leading treatment for depression and a wide variety of other mental health conditions. Although a diagnosis can be helpful, note that you do not need one to start therapy. Therapy can provide a safe space to listen to your concerns, explore solutions, and explain challenges in a way that feels manageable.
Benefits of online therapy
The symptoms of depression can sometimes present a barrier to treatment. For example, feelings of intense fatigue and a lack of motivation are common symptoms that can make it difficult to keep an appointment with a therapist, especially in person. Online therapy might be more suitable since it can be accessed from the comfort of home. You may also find it more convenient since appointments can be made day or night.
Online therapy also allows those who are afraid of face-to-face interactions to seek help in a less intimidating environment.
Effectiveness of online therapy in improving mental health
Online therapy has been proven effective by researchers in the field of mental health. One recent study found that this form of counseling was associated with positive outcomes for clients, especially when guided by a professional therapist. Many people have sought help through these methods, finding improvements in their overall well-being and mood.
For those who feel stuck, even starting with one week of therapy can make a difference. It’s important to know that progress takes time, and small steps are worth celebrating. When challenges arise, don’t hesitate to push through the initial discomfort and take the first step toward healing.
Takeaway
While some personality traits may make you more prone to mental health challenges, anyone can experience depression. Still, it is possible to overcome the condition with proper treatment. If you need support for depression symptoms or other mental health challenges, reach out to a Regain counselor today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is INFJ depression more common than depression for other personality types?
Though some hypothesize that certain MBTI types are more likely to live with depression, this claim is not entirely backed up by research. We do know that many INFJs feel deeply and that this personality type is often affiliated with perfectionism, which itself has been linked to a higher likelihood of being depressed. Just as it’s vital to say that not every INFJ will experience depression, it’s also crucial to note that any MBTI type can experience depression. Although certain risk factors can play a role, anyone can live with depression. Reading an insightful article or exploring resources in psychology might help shed light on this topic.
Are INFJs depressed or sad?
Anyone can feel sad, including those who score as an INFJ on the MBTI. However, it is important not to assume that someone is sad because they are an INFJ or because they carry common traits associated with being an INFJ, like being intuitive, for instance. For INFJs who might feel depressed or burdened, seeking help from professionals in psychology can provide clarity and support. No matter your personality type, if you experience persistent sadness, it is important to reach out and talk to a medical or mental health professional who can explain, then give you personalized guidance and help you move forward.
Do INFJs make good liars?
There is no correlation between a specific personality type and lying. While research suggests that there are traits that could make a person more likely to lie, there are many other factors that can influence whether someone is dishonest. For INFJs, who are often described as empathetic, lying may feel at odds with their moral compass. However, individual circumstances and background may also come into play, which underscores the complexity of human behavior.
Are INFJs geniuses?
INFJ personality types may have a high IQ, just like any of the other personality types. Each personality type may be associated with a different thinking style, which may contribute to the intelligence of individuals within that type. Reading an article or engaging in topics of interest can further expand an INFJ’s intellectual horizons. Still, there are a host of other considerations to consider when assessing a person’s intelligence, including their background, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Why are INFJs so attractive?
Attraction can be caused by many factors, including personality, looks, hobbies, abilities, personal goals, and more. It can be complex, but it’s not uncommon for a person to be consistently attracted to the same type of person.
It’s possible that a particular personality type, such as INFJ, for example, may appeal to you because you relate to their worldview or you feel their attributes balance out yours. Perhaps you admire their thoughtfulness, their ability to empathize, or their ability to explain emotions in ways that resonate with you. Their mood and thoughtful approach to life may also make them stand out to those who seek meaningful connections.
What does an INFJ struggle with?
INFJs often feel overwhelmed by their empathy and the emotions of others. It’s not just about their own struggles—they tend to carry the weight of others’ emotions, too, which can feel overwhelming. Their empathetic hearts sometimes get heavy with unspoken worries or lingering guilt, leaving them in moments of hopelessness. Building strong relationships with people who truly understand them can make a world of difference. While they may not specifically struggle with major depressive disorder more than other personality types, their heightened sensitivity can make them prone to emotional challenges, such as feeling trapped or stuck. Seeking professional mental health services can help them lighten their mental load and manage potential depression symptoms.
Do INFJs suffer from anxiety?
Yes. INFJs are natural overthinkers and often imagine worst-case scenarios before they even happen. Their heightened sensitivity to stress and their knack for picking up on unspoken emotions can make anxiety feel like a constant companion. When life gets too overwhelming, they may need to realize that asking for help isn’t a weakness. Mindfulness exercises, creative outlets, or simply finding ways to experience pleasure in small moments can go a long way in helping them cope with their anxiety.
Do INFJs rarely cry?
INFJs feel things deeply and process emotions in a way that might not always be visible to others. They may not cry openly, but when depressed, they could find themselves shedding tears in seclusion—whether it’s over their family, their colleagues, or even the state of the world. Crying isn’t a weakness for them; it’s a way to release the pain they carry. What helps most is having someone who listens without judgment or who simply shows up with kindness and understanding.
How do you tell if someone is an INFJ?
You’ll often recognize an INFJ by how deeply they connect with others. They’re the ones who seem truly aware of your feelings, offering just the right words to give you hope when you need it most. They rarely focus on what might go wrong but instead help you realize what’s possible. INFJs are also great at listening and can feel deeply about the world around them. Look for someone who prefers meaningful conversations over small talk and naturally finds ways to encourage others to see the light in difficult times.
What should I avoid as an INFJ?
INFJs thrive in environments where they feel free to be themselves, so it’s best to avoid putting them in situations where they feel trapped or emotionally stuck. Pushing them to be something they’re not—or being insensitive to their feelings—can leave them with hopelessness or even hurting inside. Instead, try to actively listen and help them find solutions without adding to their stress. Let them take their time, and keep in mind that they often value connection, not confrontation.
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