Understanding the INFP and INFJ Personality Types

While it's not standardized to label oneself as INFP (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving) or INFJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging), these personality types can indeed face unique challenges in their mental health journeys. However, the presence of sensitivity does not guarantee the development of anxiety or depression. It's how the mind works, and life can definitely be tough, but with the right support and understanding, it's possible to prevail.

Tales of Struggle and Empathy

I can't speak for anyone else, but my struggles stemmed from my introversion, perfectionism, and obsessive negative thoughts due to bad experiences. One of the most profound experiences that molded my thoughts was undergoing severe gaslighting from a young age. This can be a deeply traumatic experience that shapes one's worldview in profound ways.

Understanding the Challenges of Being an INFJ

Imagine a world where you feel like an outsider, where you are different from 99% of people, and you know it but can't explain why. This is a reality for many INFJs until they finally find out what or who they are, and at least all the complexity of their life makes sense. For years, my life, filled with good and bad things, was riddled with friendships and relationships that felt like they were always shifting or misunderstood.

I spent almost my entire childhood and part of my adolescence in therapy, trying to reconcile the apparent disparity between my perception of myself and how the world viewed me. Then came the additional layer of trauma when I read comments from fellow INFJs who had spent time in mental institutions, taking antidepressants. I was lucky to avoid the institutionalization, but the awareness of my differences remained a powerful force in my life.

Upbringing and Sensory Perceptions

Reflecting on my childhood, I noticed a significant discrepancy between how people spoke and how they carried themselves through body language. This was a prelude to what would later be termed 'ultra-sensory communication,' a phenomenon where individuals can sense and feel the energy of others. While many people are unaware of these subtleties, they are integral to the experiences of INFPs and INFJs.

This unique ability, however, comes with its own set of challenges. The energy and emotions of others, especially traumas, can be overwhelming. It took years to realize that much of what I was feeling was not mine but belonged to others around me. This realization did not come easily, and even now, at my advanced age, I still find myself engaging in compulsive and obsessive behaviors aimed at 'healing' others. It's a waste of time, a recurrence of a futile effort that I hate but cannot help.

Hope and Validation

To think that one day, my unique abilities could help someone would be a bittersweet comfort. The journey of an INFP or INFJ is fraught with self-doubt, but it is also marked by moments of validation and understanding. Each experience, whether it be a personal growth moment or a profound connection with another, is a step towards embracing who you are.

Best regards, and stay true to yourself. Remember, it's a continuous work in progress, but with resilience and self-awareness, you can navigate the complexities of your unique path.