INFJ And Depression: How Personality Can Influence Mental Health
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) may be one of the most popular personality tests. Many who take this test find its personality-type information to be informative, spot-on, and fun. This article is generally written for introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging-oriented individuals: INFJs. If you are an INFJ, your friends may identify you as the “advocate” or “confidante” of the group. However, this can result in INFJs not receiving the same support that you often provide to others, which may contribute to the development of depression or other mental health concerns. Online or in-person therapy can be an excellent source of professional support for INFJs experiencing mental health-related challenges like depression.
Atlas is generally a character from Greek mythology who literally holds the weight of the world on his shoulders. In an emotional sense, INFJ personalities frequently carry the weight of their worlds -- primarily their loved ones’ needs and burdens -- alongside their own.
INFJ and depression
The INFJ personality type can be known as “the confidante” for good reason. When the people they love are hurting, INFJs may empathize with them, and they will often invest significant emotional labor into helping their loved ones resolve their issues. When this pain is very strong and comes from several different sources, it can contribute to INFJs being prone to depression.
The INFJ personality: Putting others before themselves
When you are known as the “confidante,” you can feel a lot of pressure to maintain that role indefinitely. But what about when you need a shoulder to cry on? For many INFJs, the answer can be, “You don’t get one.”
Breaking the cycle of INFJ depression
In caring for their social circle, INFJs can focus so thoroughly on the needs of others that they may neglect their own needs, including emotional needs. They may experience feelings of frustration, loss, or anger without confiding in anyone. The internal pressure of this “quiet pain” can build and, if left unchecked, may contribute to a well-meaning INFJ developing a mental health condition, such as depression.
Anyone experiencing this kind of pressure may benefit from speaking to a mental health professional. INFJs deserve and need support in times of struggle just as much as anyone else. If you are an INFJ who finds yourself hesitating to “burden” your loved ones with your own thoughts or challenges, you might find comfort and relief in talking with a mental health professional, someone who will give you the space to express yourself. You are worthy of a safe space to vent just as much as any loved one who confides their worries to you.
Being an introvert may mean parties and social gatherings are not your preferred activities. INFJ personalities often maintain a tight-knit group of friends characterized by deep, strong relationships. As empathetic, sensitive friends, INFJs can build close friendships with many other personality types.
INFJ personalities tend to be the rarest classification of the MBTI—estimated at 1% to 2% of the population—which means that they might experience a sense of distance or separation from others who do not perceive relationships in the same way. Even in a crowd, INFJs might feel lonely.
Treating depression in INFJ personalities
If you are struggling with depression, or if you know someone who is struggling with depression, therapy can be a great place to start. Therapy can be a way for an individual to have their voice heard and their concerns about depression addressed by a licensed mental health professional. If you sometimes perceive that you must carry everyone’s burden, it might be nice to know that there is someone who can help you process your difficult emotions.
In addition to this support, licensed mental health professionals can use a number of effective treatment methods to address depression. For example, a therapist might ask you to keep a journal (which INFJ personalities often find comforting), try new hobbies, or get in touch with old friends and family. They can help you manage depression and stress, whether they stem from loved ones, school, or work.
It can be difficult to extricate yourself from classifications that may seem to restrict what you are capable of or what sort of life you will lead. More than any personality test, online therapy can provide steady support as you navigate depression or depressive symptoms.
How online therapy can help and support INFJ and depression
If you are considering therapy, BetterHelp can help you find a licensed therapist. Online therapy may be particularly empowering for INFJs because it generally affords the flexibility to schedule appointments when it fits their schedules. Additionally, INFJ users can attend therapy sessions from a preferred space with an internet connection. Introverted people may enjoy this aspect of online therapy, as they may feel most comfortable being open without additional stimuli in the environment.
Multiple studies have shown online therapy to be an efficacious treatment for people experiencing symptoms of depression. A team of researchers collaborated to investigate the effectiveness of online psychotherapy interventions delivered through BetterHelp to 318 active users experiencing symptoms of depression. Results generally yielded significant reductions in the severity of depression symptoms.
How do INFJs act with depression?
Symptoms of depression can include the following:
- Persistent low mood
- Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Social isolation
- A sense of hopelessness or emptiness
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Frequent frustration or irritability
- Lack of energy
- Physical symptoms like head or body aches
- A tendency to feel guilty or shameful
- Having a hard time completing daily responsibilities at one’s job or at home
If you think you could be living with depression, reach out to a licensed mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment. Talk therapy isn’t the only option, either - less common strategies like dance therapy may be available in your area as well.
Research doesn’t support the idea that any Myers-Briggs personality type is more prone to depression than the others. However, individuals with personalities involving high neuroticism, conscientiousness, and introversion may be more likely to develop depression.
What makes an INFJ personality cry?
There may be many reasons why an INFJ or a person with another personality type cries. Each person is an individual and has their own emotions and emotional triggers.
Some INFJs tend to be moody as they often experience emotional sensitivity, but any personality type can be prone to moodiness.
How do depressed INFJs react to trauma?
An INFJ type may feel lonely if they believe they’re misunderstood or that nobody truly “gets” them. Most INFJs also experience a dilemma in which they crave connection with others but are quickly worn out by social interaction. They tend to be highly sensitive and highly attuned to others’ emotions, which can quickly become overwhelming while socializing.
Clinical depression can also be called “major depressive disorder.”
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