Depression can be a struggle. When someone is depressed, they usually not only have to deal with it but often have to explain why they feel the way they do. A depressed ENFP is not exempted from this difficult situation.

Are you an ENFP struggling with such challenges? If you are, this one’s for you.

Who is the Depressed ENFP?

The depressed ENFP is an ENFP who suffers from clinical depression. Depression is a serious mood disorder that can affect anyone. ENFPs and INFPs might be especially prone to depression and other mental struggles.

A depressed ENFP might feel unmotivated, unproductive, or isolated. They will also most likely keep this feeling to themselves. While they might be isolated and moody, it’s not unusual for them to pretend and seem more hyperactive. This makes it harder to spot the problem early.

If you are a depressed ENFP, understanding your condition will help you take the necessary steps to recovery.

Depression vs. Stressed- Welcome to the World of ENFPs

First, it’s important to note the differences between a depressed ENFP and a stressed ENFP. ENFPs when stressed are more likely to show toxic traits. I’d like to call this the ENFP dark side. It is also similar to extreme burnout.

When this happens, they become an extreme version of themselves. However, depression is a more serious issue. When an ENFP is depressed, it becomes a clinical issue that should be addressed immediately.

A depressed ENFP will be sad for long periods (this can range from days to months). It is important to see a doctor or therapist if you are depressed.

How Do ENFPs Act When Depressed?

When an ENFP is depressed, you will notice the following signs.

1.   Isolation

ENFPs tend to spend a good portion of their time alone. They are introverted extroverts after all. However, isolation is not something they like. It can be hard to tell the difference between space and isolation.

A depressed ENFP will cut off social connections with their friends and loved ones. Now, this might be done gradually and prevent immediate detection.

Slowly, the ENFP sinks into their shell and will stay there for a long time if decisive action is not taken.

2.   Low Confidence/Pessimism

ENFPs have contagious optimism. When depressed, this optimism is replaced with feelings of hopelessness. This can be worse in certain ENFPs such as the ENFP 4w3 and ENFP 4w5. These two ENFPs will also struggle with becoming self-absorbed.

The consequences of low confidence can be immense. They become more nonchalant and scattered. This also affects their future goals and ambitions. This makes them hedonistic and too laid-back.

Things just get really strange.

3.   Overly Self-Conscious

ENFPs can be self-conscious. However, it doesn’t take over their life. They’re a bit like the ENTP in that instance. ENFPs will still choose comfy clothes, become hyperactive, and laugh loudly when with friends. The bottom line is that self-awareness isn’t always on their minds.

A depressed ENFP is different. They become hyperaware of what others think of them or their appearance. This might also include what people think of their achievements or their actions. Suddenly, it might feel like the ENFP is using the extroverted feeling (Fe) function, but in a weird way.

4.   They Lose Sight of the Big Picture

One of the ENFP’s biggest strengths is their ability to see the big picture. This is what makes them visionaries and enhances their self-confidence. A depressed ENFP loses the big picture. This has several implications.

First, the ENFP loses their vision or ability to be innovative. In a sense, they lose the one skill that makes them so valuable. There’s more. The depressed ENFP becomes aware they have temporarily lost this skill. This increases their feelings of worthlessness.

Things can quickly escalate.

5.   Distractions Galore

ENFPs already have vices they crave. However, a depressed ENFP will go one step further. They’ll seek out new distractions. There’s more. There’s no guarantee that these distractions will be healthy distractions.

The problem with this is that depression can lead to other issues such as substance abuse. This can easily spiral out of control.

6.   Extremely Clumsy in Social Interactions

Some ENFPs might be shy. However, they are generally charismatic. Their first impression is often perfect and well-oiled. A depressed ENFP will not be too keen on making new connections.

Thus, social interactions will be bumpy at best. This is one sign that their friends might notice off the bat.

7.   Super Introverts

As mentioned earlier, ENFPs are introverted extroverts. However, with depression and other issues arising from it, a depressed ENFP can easily become a super introvert.

Nevertheless, they can be very volatile if they become addicted to other vices as mentioned above.

8.   They Can Be Mistyped as INFJs

An unhealthy INFJ will look a lot like a depressed ENFP and vice versa. Here’s why. Unhealthy INFJs are overly self-conscious, pessimistic, complacent, and clumsy with social interactions. These are also signs of a depressed ENFP.

Thus, if you meet an ENFP during this period, you’ll think they’re an INFJ. If your ENFP is looking like an unhealthy INFJ, it’s time to start asking questions.

9.   No Desire/Drive

With a lack of vision comes little or no drive. A depressed ENFP will simply go with the flow. This affects their career growth as well as their future opportunities.

It can be really sad.

What Can Cause an ENFP to be Depressed?

An ENFP can become depressed for many reasons. Here are some of the most common causes of ENFP depression

1.   Loss of a Loved One

ENFPs can take the death of a loved one really badly. This is especially true when it comes unexpectedly. It can take a while for them to recover.

2.   Traumatic Childhood Experience

Negative childhood experiences can shape their mood and life. Like the enneagram, depression can be a product of a devastating childhood.

3.   Constant Bullying

When an ENFP is constantly bullied, it can leave scars. Bullying can also affect their self-confidence and leave unexpected results. Depression is one of them.

4.   Failure

Constantly failing can leave the ENFP desperate and depressed. If success doesn’t come soon, it can get even worse. This is true of ENFP type 7 and ENFP type 4.

5.   Heartbreak

ENFPs have intense feelings. This is compounded by their idealistic outlook. So, having their hearts broken can be devastating. It can even lead to depression.

How to Help a Depressed ENFP

See a Qualified Doctor

The most important step to recovery is to see a mental health expert/doctor. They are qualified to help you recover. They are also your best bet if you need a diagnosis.

Therapy

Therapy can also help. When done with other self-care activities, the impact can be truly life-changing. Encourage them to start with some self-care activities first before hitting therapy.

Learn More About Their MBTI and Enneagram Types

Learning more about your MBTI and Enneagram type allows you to see your weaknesses. If you know your weaknesses, you’ll know how to avoid your triggers. This will allow your ENFP to grow and possibly avoid depression.

This website is a great place to start. So, encourage them to do just that.

Be There For Them

Finally, be there for them. They need their loved ones around them during this challenging period. This is not the time to get irritated or impatient with them.

Make sure they know they can always count on you.