Are You An INFJ? Depression Could Be A Risk—Here's Why
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 you 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.
The Atlas personality
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.
This personality type can be known as “the confidante” for good reason. When the people they love are hurting, these personalities 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 these personalities being prone to depression.
Quiet pain
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 with this type, the answer can be, “You don’t get one.”
In caring for their social circle, these personalities 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 push a well-meaning person into depression.
Anyone feeling this kind of pressure may benefit from speaking to a mental health professional. These personalities deserve and need support in times of struggle just as much as anyone else. If you find 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!
Social yet isolated
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, these personalities 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 feelings of distance or separation from others who do not perceive relationships in the same way. Even in a crowd, they might feel lonely.
Social interaction and feelings of connectedness with others tend to be important contributors to overall mental health, and these personalities may find it more challenging to work through interactions to build relationships.
Treating depression in INFJ personalities
If you are struggling with depression, or if you know someone who is struggling, therapy can be a great place to start. Therapy is often a way for an individual to have their voice heard and their concerns addressed by a licensed mental health professional. If you sometimes feel like 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 the stress of life, whether it stems 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 the challenges of your life.
How online therapy can help
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, 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.
Therapist reviews
These BetterHelp users have found support through online therapy, too:
Anna is a very compassionate and patient person who is excellent at providing insight into where the core issues are and providing the tools to correct them. She makes you feel safe and supported. I really enjoy my experience working with her. Very highly recommend it!
https://www.betterhelp.com/anna-andrews/
Having worked with several other counselors before, I’ve now been working with Sairah for over a year and would really recommend her. She is very easy to talk to and is patient and compassionate as well as being able to gently challenge me where I have blind spots or need encouragement to stick with it in what I’m working on in our sessions. It has been great to have the flexibility of live messenger chat, phone call, or video call depending on how I’m feeling and the pace I want to take things. Sairah has helped me find ways to cope and build on my strengths through difficult and challenging times and has encouraged and guided my work on personal growth.
Takeaway
How do INFJs act when depressed?
Depression can manifest in similar ways for people of any personality type. For example, many people with depression may have lower energy levels, experience feelings of hopelessness, or attempt to self-medicate through substance use (formerly known as substance abuse). Depression may have specific effects on INFJs, though. An INFJ’s natural tendency towards introversion may mean they withdraw even farther into themselves when experiencing depression, and they may attempt to hide their symptoms from others.
Which personality type is most likely to have depression?
People of all personality types can experience mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. However, people with different personality types may experience different stressors in their lives that contribute to the development of these disorders. Because of their strong levels of feeling and intuition, many INFJs may serve as emotional support systems for other people, which may lead to them not taking adequate care of their own mental health. Local resources such as free support groups and counseling options may help INFJs to prioritize their own well-being.
Do INFJs suffer anxiety?
Any personality type can experience anxiety, including INFJs.
What makes an INFJ cry?
INFJs can be more aware of their emotions than other people, meaning they may cry more easily. The types of stressors and joys that may provoke tears in an INFJ are likely more related to the individual and their own experiences than their Myers-Briggs personality type, though.
Can INFJs be moody?
INFJs can be moody. INFJs may be more in tune with their emotions than other personality types, meaning they could be the kind of person who “wears their heart on their sleeve.” However, because INFJs can also be introverted, they may withdraw into themselves when experiencing strong emotions, which could be interpreted as moodiness by other people.
How do INFJs react to trauma?
Trauma can have a profound impact on people of all personality types, particularly when people experience trauma as children. One of the most common impacts of trauma is feeling isolated and separate from other people. Because INFJs are already predisposed towards introversion, an INFJ who has experienced trauma may take this symptom to the extreme and stop attempting to connect with others entirely.
What makes an INFJ lonely?
Some people may believe that because INFJs are introverts, they cannot be lonely. This is a myth. Although introverts may be emotionally drained by prolonged interactions with other people, that does not mean they do not require community connection. INFJs can become lonely if they believe they are lacking in their personal relationships or are inadequately emotionally supported by others.
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