INFP Anxiety: Dealing with the Many Forms of Anxiety
Anxiety is something most people deal with to some extent, but some people can be more prone to anxious feelings or behaviors. There is some correlation to personality types and anxiety and even to anxiety disorders. Sometimes this is simply because of their overactive minds and the way their natural functions process the world around them. For some people anxiety can simply be a temporary response to the stress around them, or from negative habits which have pushed them in this direction. Of course there are also times when this is an actual clinical anxiety which needs to be treated by others means like medication and seeking help from a licensed therapist. With anything there are often many ways to seek help, and it is important to take the appropriate steps to rectify the situation.
INFPs do have a tendency to get caught up in anxious feelings, and might even be prone to anxiety in their lives. This isn’t something they are incapable of dealing with though, and in some cases it can even cause the INFP to grow and become stronger through those experiences. Of course it never actually feels that way when caught up in anxiety and the stress and pain it can cause. INFPs who have dealing with anxious feelings can certainly seem high strung and on edge, especially when they have certain outside stress which makes the situation feel overwhelming. Being that they are people with deep emotions, it can be hard to process when something serious happens.
The Pain of Overthinking
INFPs have incredibly active inner minds, and so sometimes when they are pushed too far this can cause serious anxiety for them. When the INFP is experiencing a disturbance in their natural functions, it can cause them to experience a lot of anxious feelings and thoughts. Not trusting in their natural functions forces the INFP into a deeper cycle of overthinking even the smallest of details. When they don’t trust in their sense of morals and the way they normally process things, they can often find themselves trying to analyze everything. INFPs can experience these feelings of doubt and worry, never sure how to really find a way to calm themselves.
Complex Inner Emotions
Sometimes INFPs can actually experience anxiety because of their environment and how they are brought up. They are often different from the “norm” and this can make them feel alienated and unaccepted. When the INFP is around people who call them strange or don’t understand their depth and complex emotions, it can be rather painful for them. When people judge them or call them sensitive their entire lives, it can certainly cause them to feel like distancing themselves. This feeling of disconnect can certainly give them feelings of worry and anxiety about certain situations and even about themselves throughout their lives. For the INFP developing a sense of self-worth which isn’t dependent on other people is very important. If their family is part of this judgment it can be hard for them, and this can certainly cause them to feel anxious, never quite feeling good enough.
Being that they do have complex inner emotions, the INFP can certainly feel anxious easily. They worry about so many things, always thinking it through and wanting to make sure they are doing things right. This can also cause the INFP to feel stagnant and sometimes afraid of taking steps forward. They don’t want to do anything which goes against their own beliefs and moral code, but they also can be afraid of what other people might think when they are younger.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety isn’t something tied into being introverted, but certainly some INFPs deal with this type of anxiety. The INFP who does experience social anxiety likely wants to seclude themselves from others to avoid any awkward situations. They constantly second guess their own actions and behaviors, and worry that people are judging them. Feeling nervous to interact with people is something which makes it even harder for the INFP to break free from becoming completely reclusive. It is something that pushes them to dive into their introverted functions sometimes, and can cause them to constantly analyze themselves and the people around them.
How to Deal
For the INFP who deals with anxiety it can certainly be a long and difficult process to coping with this. When the anxious feelings are simply situational or based on extreme stress, the INFP often needs to connect with the things and people which give them a sense of peace. They need to learn to trust in themselves and their own strengths, instead of focusing on things which make them feel pressure to be successful. The INFP needs to surround themselves with people who believe in them, and don’t constantly make them feel like they need to be better. Having people around them who support who they are and don’t pressure them, is truly important for the INFP who deals with anxiety. They need patience and understanding, and space to be alone when they need to. Sometimes just spending time inside of their own bubble focusing on the things which reward them, can really help the INFP cope. Whether this be reading their favorite books, experiencing time in nature, or connecting with whatever their passion is- the INFP needs to distance themselves from the things which bring them overwhelming stress.
Sometimes the INFP needs to find a way to break free from those overactive and obsessive thoughts. Analyzing inside of their bubble too much can trap them in negative emotions and thoughts, and so they need to find a way to be a bit more present in the moment. When they catch themselves buried in negative analysis, the INFP needs to focus on things which make them feel a sense of pride and positivity. It is easier said than done, but if they learn to take it one step at a time just being present can really help.
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