When you think of ENTJs, you think of boldness, innovativeness, and discipline. You do not think of depression. However, ENTJs are still humans. Thus, a depressed ENTJ is possible. Because of how people perceive them, it can be hard for them to get the help they need.

This article discusses the depressed ENTJ and recovery strategies they can pursue.

Let’s go!

Who is the Depressed ENTJ?

A depressed ENTJ is an ENTJ suffering from clinical depression. This is a mood disorder marked by persistent feelings of sadness over long periods. An ENTJ suffering from depression will experience low self-confidence, low productivity, and apathy.

Because ENTJs are usually outspoken and popular, spotting a depressed ENTJ can be easy. However, getting them to admit they are depressed can be a herculean task. This is one of the biggest obstacles they face when depressed.

If you are facing depression, please seek medical help immediately.

Depressed ENTJ vs Unhealthy ENTJ- What’s the Difference?

It’s important to note the difference between an unhealthy ENTJ and a depressed ENTJ. An unhealthy ENTJ is a stressed ENTJ. This is often caused by toxicity or unforeseen situations.

When unhealthy, ENTJs face a lot of other emotions, such as fear, frustration, and anger. Unhealthiness can also be short or long-term. The state of a depressed ENTJ, on the other hand, is marked by consistent sadness. While there might be other emotions because of this sadness, the root cause is depression.

Depression is significantly more serious than unhealthiness. Taking steps to recover is imperative.

How Does a Depressed ENTJ Act?

1.   Loss of Confidence

The first thing that goes is their confidence. A depressed ENTJ will sorely lack confidence. This leads to two possible situations. They might become timid and withdraw from their leadership roles, or they might stick it out but be awfully unprepared to make quick decisions.

While they might be able to hide this initially, it becomes noticeable as things get worse.

2.   Avoiding Eye Contact

Once their confidence is gone, the subtle signs of a confident person also start to fade. Thus, a depressed ENTJ might avoid eye contact with people. This is especially true when their opinions are different from those of the majority.

This is a subtle sign that’s easy to miss.

3.   Changes in Fashion

Most ENTJs have a good fashion sense. A depressed ENTJ will be slightly different. While they won’t dress badly, their style will slowly erode. In other words, they might start to wear comfort clothes or what works.

Thus, they put less thought into how they appear. This does not mean that ENTJs are fashion freaks. It just means that ENTJs are often meticulous about their hygiene and appearance.

4.   Fewer Risks

ENTJs are innovative because they’re not afraid to take risks. A depressed ENTJ will take fewer risks. Now, some ENTJs (ENTJ 6w7 and ENTJ 6w5) are already scared of risks. However, the difference is that these signs will be significantly different from their normal traits.

For example, an ENTJ who had no issues with new projects might completely change while depressed.

5.   Less Discipline/Productivity

Their productivity also takes a hit. Depressed ENTJs become complacent, procrastinators, and less action-oriented.

This is perhaps one of the clearest signs of depression. However, unhealthy ENTJs can also experience this sign.

This is why getting a diagnosis is the most effective way to identify depression.

6.   Nihilism

ENTJs are driven by their ambition and purpose. Depending on their Enneagram type, they can be driven by the needs of their family, a higher purpose, or something else.

A depressed ENTJ loses that motivation. They see the world as useless or a hopeless grind. After all, we all die. This impacts their work and personal relationships.

7.   Overly Sensitive or More Ruthless

A depressed ENTJ becomes unstable. Thus, their emotions are often either in overdrive or numb. They might start crying easily or be more ruthless.

The bottom line is that things become volatile.

Apart from these signs, there are also other common signs of depression. You can click that link to learn more.

What Causes Depression in ENTJs?

Failure

Constantly failing at their goals or projects can see them sink into depression. This is especially true when people stop believing in their ideas or abilities.

Betrayal

ENTJs might also become depressed when they face betrayal. Betrayal here can range from heartbreak to a stab in the back.

Traumatic Experiences

Traumas from accidents, brutalization, and other incidents can hit the ENTJ hard. If not handled properly, they can easily sink into depression. Anyone can.

How to Recover From Depressed as an ENTJ

1.   Accept Your Situation

The first step towards recovery is by accepting your situation. By now, you have probably gotten a diagnosis. So, accept it. Once you do so, you can now strive towards recovery.

Not accepting your situation leads to denial. It also means you cannot properly address the problem. It always ends badly.

2.   Seek Help

If you believe you are depressed but have no diagnosis yet, it might be time to seek help. If you have gotten a diagnosis, try to follow the recommendations of your doctor. Do not ignore the problem because it simply will not go away.

Put your health first.

3.   Allow Yourself to Be Vulnerable

It can be hard as an ENTJ to show people your vulnerable side. However, now’s not the time for heroics. It’s time to save yourself.

So, allow yourself to be vulnerable with your loved ones. Allow them to take care of you. You owe them that.

4.   Practice Self-Care

Take care of yourself. ENTJs often get carried away by the sway of work. Try to do some activities that make you happy. Every ENTJ is different. So, take a deep dive and try to identify the things you love.

You won’t regret it.

5.   Know Your Triggers

Finally, know what is most likely going to lead to an episode. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Learn more about your personality. Knowing these things will help you live a better and perhaps normal life.

How to Cheer Up a Depressed ENTJ

What if you have a depressed ENTJ as a friend or partner? Here are some things that might help.

1.   Present Yourself as an Option

Put yourself out there for them. Ensure they know you are always available if they want to talk or need someone to lean on. The truth is that they might never tell you they need this. However, just knowing you are willing to do this makes a lot of difference.

2.   Encourage Them To Seek Help

If they believe they are depressed, it might be time to encourage them to get help. You can start by suggesting they get a diagnosis.

Just getting them to take the first steps is a great achievement. Of course, you don’t want to be too forceful or nag about it. It’s better if they make the decision themselves.

3.   Show Long-term Support

It’s not enough to just present yourself as an option for the short term. Ensure they know you are in it for the long haul. Make them realize you don’t pity or judge them. You just want your loved one back to their best.

Being depressed is not the end of the world. With a bit of acceptance and proactive steps, any depressed ENTJ can make progress. You are an ENTJ, after all.