ENFP Depression & Struggles: How the ENFP Handles Depressed Feelings

For each personality type there are different reasons and experiences which can make depression a struggle in their lives. This isn’t something which can be attributed to personality type, since we can all go through depression in their lives regardless of these details. While depression is not limited to certain types, there are sometimes ways of understanding it better based on those qualities of each type. For the ENFP there are sometimes specific behaviors and things they need to understand better, in order to help them progress and heal.



They Smile Through It, But It’s Okay to Be Depressed

ENFPs have a tendency to put on a sunshiny disposition, even if they are feeling miserable inside. They don’t want to bring others down and make them feel like they are making others feel bad over this. ENFPs also don’t want to be judged for feeling a certain way, and would rather put on a happy face. This idea that they need to always be strong and smile through it, can actually be something which causes them more harm than good. They don’t want to be the downer of their group, and often strive to be the positive force around them. This often puts too much pressure on the ENFP, making it hard for them to fully except the depression they are going through.



The best thing for the ENFP is to stop being the strong one all of the time, and to allow their friends and loved ones to support them. They are great at being the positive ones who always lifts others up, but it is okay to be the one who needs lifting sometimes. The ENFP will do well to just accept this depression and not be ashamed of it. Learning to recognize their own feelings in this situation is what they truly need, since bottling things up can be truly harmful for the ENFP. They need to be able to share what is going on, and express those feelings with someone they trust. Sometimes the very reason the ENFP is depressed is because they have spent too much time feeling ashamed of those inner emotions, those feelings which are so important to who they are.



Do Your Research and Find the Connections

For the ENFP sometimes research can be a helpful step towards recovery. They need to understand what they are going through in order to fully accept it. Before they can find a sense of hope, the ENFP really needs to take time to do some research. They do very well when they can learn about the subject and try to understand the patterns in their own lives. When the ENFP does this they find those connections, and can even find solutions which will help them heal and recover.



ENFPs can often be seen as emotional people who don’t look at things logically, but this is a wildly incorrect stereotype. ENFPs actually love information and so learning about new things is something which helps them feel a sense of inner comfort. When it comes to their own depression the ENFP can really benefit from understanding it in a more logical sense. This helps them feel a sense of peace, and they can stop blaming themselves or feeling a sense of shame over what they are going through.



Open Up and Don’t Be Afraid of Breakdown

ENFPs need to accept their feelings and this means having times when they breakdown. Instead of trying to be strong they do best to allow themselves these moments. If they need to cry over something, don’t feel like they should be holding this inside. Having people around them who understand and can listen to their feelings, is truly important for the ENFP. Sometimes they alienate themselves when they are feeling this way, which can be worse on them in the long run. ENFPs do need to take some time to themselves, but they need to find that healthy balance during this challenging time. They might want to alienate themselves because as they become more depressed they may find themselves lashing out at others and this is something they don’t want to do.



Understanding why this is happening is a step which can help the ENFP control their temper better. They also need people around them who they can be honest with, people who know what the ENFP is experiencing. Having someone they trust to stand by them no matter what, really makes a big difference for the ENFP when they are experiencing depression. The sense of guilt can be truly hard for them to cope with, which can make the depression even worse at times. They need to know they can redeem themselves for this, and can find ways of moving forward and making the situation right again. For the ENFP a sense of hopelessness and loss can make the depression even worse, and so they need connections which can help them remain positive that the future is bright. Having this support system is definitely helpful, but they also need to look inward during these times. Learning to understand themselves better and accept what is going on, can help the ENFP shake that guilt and become less harsh towards themselves.

Disclaimer: It is important to remember that depression can be a clinically serious issue and that you should always seek professional help when you are struggling with it. While it is nothing to be ashamed of, depression is very real and it is important to seek help in a professional sense rather than just doing your own research. These bits of advice are intended for people going through minor depressive feelings, and have likely already sought professional help. They are meant as small tools and ways of helping to improve your mental state.



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