MBTI’s when depressed (5 insights)

What MBTI types do when depressed? How to overcome this? This article is an amazing description of the response of each MBTI type towards depression or depressive symptoms and ways to cope up with it. Depression is an agonizing demon that can consume and burden people’s lives.

Depression can be:

• A situational occurrence in some situations,
• it can also be a serious psychiatric disorder in others.

 It’s important to remember to seek clinical treatment if you or someone you care for is depressed.

It’s always a good idea to do some research to try to better understand your situation, but there are some exceptions. It’s always a good idea to do some research and try to understand your situation better, but there are occasions when reading a few articles isn’t enough.

We don’t claim to understand each person’s tribulations and struggles; instead, we use a tool—the Myers-Briggs personality type—to better understand ourselves.

What is depression?

Definition

Depression is a widespread and severe mental health condition that has a detrimental effect on how you feel, think, and behave. It is also, luckily, treatable. Depression induces depression and/or a lack of interest in previously enjoyed hobbies. It can trigger a slew of emotional and physical issues, as well as a decline in your ability to function at work and at home.

Signs and Symptoms

You may be suffering from depression if you have been experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms for at least two weeks, almost every day:

• Sad, nervous, or “empty” mood that persists
• Pessimism or thoughts of hopelessness
• Irritableness
• Guilt, a feeling of worthlessness, or a sense of helplessness
• Loss of fun and participation in hobbies and sports
• Fatigue or a lack of resources
• Slower movement or voice
• Feeling antsy or finding it difficult to sit still?
• Concentration, memory, or decision-making difficulties
• Sleeping problems, particularly in the mornings
• Concentration, memory, or decision-making difficulties
• Night disruptions, early morning awakenings, or oversleeping
• Changes in appetite and/or weight
• Suicide attempts or thoughts of death or suicide
• Aches and pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive disorders that have no apparent physical cause and/or do not change despite treatment

If you’re facing this, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a therapist or other mental health professional. You can find a therapist at BetterHelp who can help you learn how to cope and address it.

What are MBTI Dimensions & Personality Types?

MBTI is a standardized inventory which is used to determine the personality type of an individual, preferences and judgment.

What is Personality?

The word personality is rooted in a Latin word ‘persona.’ The word persona refers to a theatrical mask work by performers in order to either look a definite way or disguise their characters. Carl Jung highlights the idea of “collective unconscious.” This notion refers to the innate psychological dispositions of all human beings.  

According to the American Psychological Association:

Personality refers to individual differences in characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving. The study of personality focuses on two broad areas:

• One understanding is the individual differences in particular personality characteristics, such as sociability or irritability.
• The other understanding is how the various parts of a person come together as a whole

Four Key Dichotomies

There are four dichotomies including 2 opposing styles each, which makes a total of 8 different styles. Once it is determined what an individual style for the four dichotomies is, a four letter code is obtained. These four letters are the initials of each of the preferred styles.

MBTI Dichotomy – Introversion vs. Extraversion (I/E)

Function: How individuals get their energy?

Description: By spending quiet time alone or with a small group, introverts are energized. They seem to be more thoughtful and reserved. By spending time with individuals and in busy, productive surroundings, extraverts are energized. They seem to be outspoken and more verbal.

MBTI Dichotomy – Sensing vs. iNtuition (S/I)

Function: How individuals take in the information?

Description: Sensors rely on their five senses and are interested in data that they can see, hear, and so on directly. They prefer to be hands-on students and are frequently characterized as “practical.” A more abstract level of thought focuses on iNtuitive; they are creative and more interested in ideas, patterns, and explanations. 

MBTI Dichotomy- Judging vs. Perceiving (J/P)

Function: How individuals make decisions?

Description: Judgers enjoy structure and order; they like organized stuff, and they hate last-minute revisions. Flexibility and spontaneity are valued by perceivers; they want to leave open things so they can change their minds.

MBTI Dichotomy –Thinking vs. Feeling (T/F)

Function: How individuals organize their world?

Description: Thinkers, in their heads, prefer to make decisions; they are interested in making the most rational, fair option. Feelers prefer to make choices in their hearts; they are interested in how people will be influenced by a decision, and whether it suits their beliefs.

List of MBTI Types

The above mentioned method of obtaining combination can yield 16 possible personality types:

MBTI Types	MBTI Type Abbreviations
ISTJ	Introverted – Sensing – Thinking – Judging
ESTJ	Extraverted – Sensing – Thinking – Judging
ISTP	Introverted – Sensing – Thinking – Perceiving
ESTP	Extraverted – Sensing – Thinking – Perceiving
ISFJ	Introverted – Sensing – Feeling – Judging
ESFJ	Extraverted – Sensing – Feeling – Judging
ISFP	Introverted – Sensing – Feeling – Perceiving
ESFP	Extraverted – Sensing – Feeling – Perceiving
INFJ	Introverted – iNtuition – Feeling – Judging
ENFJ	Extraverted – iNtuition – Feeling – Judging
INFP	Introverted – iNtuition – Feeling – Perceiving
ENFP	Extraverted – iNtuition – Feeling – Perceiving
INTJ	Introverted – iNtuition  – Thinking – Judging
ENTJ	Extraverted – iNtuition – Thinking – Judging
INTP	Introverted – iNtuition – Thinking – Perceiving
ENTP	Extraverted – iNtuition – Thinking – Perceiving

MBTI when depressed: Reactions & Coping

INFJ when depressed

Because of their caring nature, INFJs are more likely than other MBTI forms to suffer from depression. INFJs see things and are conscious of what is going on in their system. Although some people are able to block out the world’s suffering, INFJs are unable to do so. They feel anything and are unable to close themselves off from it.

This can cause them a lot of pain and heartache in their lives, particularly when they see so many people who lack compassion or a willingness to make a difference. If they feel unable to support others, or if they are simply overwhelmed by the world around them, INFJs may become depressed. 

They realize that they are meant for more, and they aspire to make a genuine difference in the world. The INFJ, on the other hand, may be saddened by the burden they put on themselves, particularly if they don’t feel like they’re progressing. They must let go of their shame and understand that they are doing their best to cope with their depression. 

It is perfectly appropriate for people to take time for them to recover and replenish their souls. Self-abuse is a common sign of depression, and the INFJ can be tougher on them than normal.

It is important for the INFJ to note that even the tiniest difference will make a huge difference. Many people in the world don’t even try, while the INFJ goes out of their way to help those who are struggling. One tiny act of kindness will make a big difference in someone’s life, and the INFJ is the best person to show this kind of life-changing kindness.

ENFJ when depressed

When ENFJs are depressed, they also feel bad about themselves. It is difficult for the ENFJ to devote time to tending to their own emotions, which can result in depressed feelings. They actually do not think it is fair for them to take time for themselves because they are so preoccupied with others’ needs.

If the ENFJ is experiencing depression, it can manifest itself in a variety of ways. In order to fully forget their depressive condition, the ENFJ will also try to work even harder. This will cause a crash, and the ENFJ will be unable to complete their normal tasks as a result.

This is in stark contrast to the ENFJ, and it’s impossible not to note the difference. When they do not feel embraced by their loved ones, their feelings of depression can sometimes intensify. ENFJs are always there with those closest to them, which makes it impossible for them to continue if they feel like they are failing them.

It is critical that those who care about the ENFJ offer them as much support as possible. They need to be respected for their contributions, as well as acknowledged, in order to let go of the shame they feel for not being able to be present during their depressive episodes.

INFP when depressed

Unfortunately, INFPs are vulnerable to depression in a number of ways. This is most likely due to their naturally sensitive hearts, which not only make them great people but also cause them to feel things even more intensely. INFPs have a hard time disconnecting from the suffering they see around them, and they can find it difficult to avoid these emotions.

They are good people who sometimes feel bad if they think they aren’t doing anything to support others. INFPs may experience depression at times simply because they do not feel understood by others. They are always out of the ordinary and do not fit into the world’s sometimes superficial stereotypes.

This can make the INFP feel alone and misunderstood, which can be painful. When INFPs are depressed, they may begin to express their emotions more freely than normal. This is frequently because they are looking for someone who can understand them and will assist them in getting through their grief.

During these times, it’s important for the INFP to feel supported. It’s enough enough to be there for them, even if that means sitting in silence for a while. The INFP benefits enormously from understanding that the people they care for do not judge them.

ENFP when depressed

ENFPs are susceptible to depression and go through it in stages, which can be difficult for them to resolve. These normally upbeat people will begin to detach from the outside world. If a depressed ENFP avoids their emotional condition for too long, they will begin to lash out at those around them. 

They are generally very considerate of other people’s feelings, but when they are depressed, they can accidentally snap at those closest to them. They might also look for ways to tease people, but in a less playful manner than normal. This can make being around the ENFP challenging, particularly for those who are more sensitive to teasing. 

When they’re depressed, they’ll gravitate toward the darker side of their personality, which will appeal to them even more. For an ENFP who is depressed, the most important thing is to actually pay attention to their depression. Rather than pretending that all is perfect, they should communicate their feelings to others. 

The most crucial move for an ENFP is to talk about it and admit what’s going on. While it might be daunting for them to speak up about their issues, it is the best solution for them in the long run.

INTJ when depressed

Since INTJs are logical thinkers, depression can be a real challenge for them. Depression often leads to irrational thinking, which can be particularly frustrating for the INTJ’s logical mind. When an INTJ is frustrated by their feelings of distress, they will always look for ways to relieve the condition.

They may try resuming activities that have previously made them happy, but some of these activities are not always safe. To find a happier state of mind, INTJs can turn to alcohol or reckless behaviour. This is unlikely to make an INTJ feel better, as they will easily feel guilty for wasting their time on items that will not help them advance in any way.

In this state of mind, INTJs must learn to rely on their strengths and re-trust their intuition. Being depressed may be very difficult for the INTJ to resolve, mostly because they may fail to ask for support and might even return to their old ways.

ENTJ when depressed

When an ENTJ is depressed, they often lose sight of what is important to them. They’ll feel quite ineffective, as if their talents aren’t being completely exploited. This is extremely difficult for ENTJs to bear, considering that they are usually motivated and hardworking individuals. Since they don’t want people to think of their depression as a weakness, 

ENTJs are very good at hiding it from others. To keep them busy, the ENTJ will often immerse themselves in their work. In order for the ENTJ to open up about their depression to others, they must have full confidence in them. It is important for an ENTJ to be able to rely on those around them. 

If they think they can trust someone absolutely, they would be more likely to share their secrets with them.

INTP when depressed

INTPs are generally very self-aware, particularly when it comes to their feelings. When people are depressed, it always expresses itself in stages. To break free from their depression, the INTP may initially try to push them and might even try new stuff. When depression first strikes, they can spend some time trying to socialize with others.

The INTP, on the other hand, will sometimes feel drained after trying to socialize and will need to withdraw inward. They can isolate themselves for long periods of time in order to relieve their discomfort. Others will not even note that the INTP is unhappy because of their indifference.

When an INTP is depressed, he or she may have emotional outbursts, which may confuse those around them because the INTP is usually so reserved with their emotions. They can snap at those closest to them if they are under pressure from those closest to them.

INTPs need a stable atmosphere in which they are not pressured by those around them. They simply need room to sort things out and be able to feel whatever they are feeling.

ENTP when depressed

When an ENTP feels stuck in their current situation, they can become depressed. It’s particularly difficult if an ENTP thinks they won’t be able to achieve their ambitions or seek the opportunities they want. They can appear depressed and unable to try new things that they enjoy. They can become engrossed in their schedule, which will become boring for them.

It is important for the ENTP to set targets that will motivate and empower them. It can truly bring them down if they get trapped in a rut of inactivity. They must encourage themselves to immerse themselves in subjects in which they are genuinely passionate rather than those which they are compelled to do. The ENTP must concentrate on their own needs rather than the wishes of others in order to break free from their state of mind.

ISTJ when depressed

If an ISTJ is depressed, they appear to separate themselves and can be difficult to meet. They’ll go about their daily lives as usual, and they might even get a little more serious about their job. They would also withdraw from others and look less enthused while spending time with loved ones.

The ISTJ will benefit from sticking to their routine, but it’s even easier if they can find something physical to help them get out of their heads. Finding rational and realistic ways to relieve the ISTJs distress can be highly beneficial. Eating well, exercising regularly, and spending quality time with family and friends will all make them feel more at ease.

ESTJ when depressed

If things in their lives don’t seem to be going their way, ESTJs can become depressed. They can become more irritable and show manic behavior. They will sometimes try to step forward, but this will result in a fall, leaving them unable to get out of bed.

ESTJs are people who put in a lot of work, but it doesn’t always seem that their efforts are paying off. When this happens, the ESTJ will feel absolutely overwhelmed. It is vital that they push themselves into a routine, as routines are highly soothing to the ESTJ. The ESTJ profits immensely from seeking a balance between work and personal time.

ISFJ when depressed

ISFJs are also described as cheerful people who want to support those around them. When an ISFJ is depressed, they can become more distant from the rest of the world. They will also be reluctant to leave their comfort zone and will continue to return to items that have already made them feel better. 

If these things don’t make the ISFJs feel better, they’ll become even more hopeless. They may find themselves wasting time at home, unable to socialise with their regular circle of friends.

One of the most beneficial aspects for an ISFJ is getting the help of others. It will really support the ISFJ if they have people around them who show how much they care and want to help them.

ESFJ when depressed

When ESFJs is frustrated or burned out, they are always a far cry from their typical cheerful self. ESFJs are profoundly worried for their loved ones and work hard to make them happy. When the ESFJ is depressed, they will always try to compensate for it by overdoing things. They will rarely show their sorrow to others, and they might even feel bad about it.

The ESFJ’s ability to drive through their problems can only make things worse. They can experience a crash, which could result in inactivity.

It is important for the ESFJ to acknowledge their depression and understand that it is not their fault. They’ll want to blame themselves, which will only escalate the situation. In order to move forward, they need the help of their loved ones. They often need enough room to drive themselves forward without feeling pressed by others.

ISFP when depressed

ISFPs have clear beliefs, which can contribute to tension in their everyday lives. They are intensely faithful to their values, and when those values are tested, they become annoyed. If anyone close to them tries to contradict the ISFP’s beliefs, the ISFP will become depressed. 

This can be difficult for ISFPs to overcome; particularly because they only follow what they believe is the right direction.

Take time for yourself and stay away from unpleasant people if you’re an ISFP. They must be able to absorb positivity from their surroundings in order to recover their sense of well-being.

ESFP when depressed

When ESFPs are depressed, they can try new and exciting things to get themselves out of it. They might also make an effort to spend money on products that they think would make them feel better. For the time being, ESFPs are attracted to elegance, so something lovely would cheer them up.

These things, of course, do not last, and the ESFP can undergo a depressive episode in which they tend to be much more down than normal.

If this occurs, the ESFP needs a lot of support and attention from their loved ones. Without the help of others, the ESFP will be unable to recover from their depression.

ISTP when depressed

When an ISTP is depressed, the thing that gives them the most pleasure is being alone. They can isolate themselves for prolonged periods of time, fully isolating themselves from others. Since ISTPs have a hard time concentrating on their own feelings, they can go unnoticed for a long time if they are depressed. This may lead them to drive people away in order to find out what’s going on.

ISTPs need assistance, but only from afar. If anyone wants to suffocate them, the situation can only get worse. It means the world to them to know that their loved ones are there for them and that they can trust them when the time comes to open up.

ESTP when depressed

When an ESTP is depressed, they may try to keep themselves occupied by concentrating on their everyday tasks. They may even want to go out after work every night to meet new people and have new experiences. When ESTPs are depressed, they can’t seem to sit still and will participate in tasks to keep themselves busy.

This is beyond the ESTP’s capacity to keep up with, and they will inevitably crash. When they are isolated and have little to do, the ESTP would almost definitely feel depressed.

It would be much easier for the ESTP to pull through if they have people who care about them. They need to know that no matter what happens, their loved ones will be there for them. They must also accept their depression and, rather than avoiding it, find ways to cure it.

Summary

This article was an amazing description on the response of each MBTI type towards depression or depressive symptoms and ways to cope up with it. Depression is a painful experience that can consume and burden people’s lives.

FAQs: MBTI when depressed

References

The Myers and Briggs Foundation. MBTI® Basics. The Myers and Briggs Foundation. https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth edition. 2013. National Institute of Mental Health. (Data from 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.) www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/prevalence/major-depression-among-adults.shtml

Personality Growth. (2017, June 20). How Each Myers-Briggs Type Deals with Depression. Personality Growth. https://personalitygrowth.com/how-each-myers-briggs-type-deals-with-depression/

Neurohealth Associates. (2018, October 3). Two Personality Types that Are Most Susceptible to Depression. NHA Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml