How Myers-Briggs Types React to Stress: INFP
INFP â The Healer; The Dreamer; The Mediator; one of the Idealists
INFP personalities are true idealists, always looking for the hint of good in even the worst of people and events, searching for ways to make things better. While they may be perceived as calm, reserved, or even shy, INFPs have an inner flame and passion that can truly shine. Comprising just 4% of the population, the risk of feeling misunderstood is unfortunately high for the INFP personality type â but when they find like-minded people to spend their time with, the harmony they feel will be a fountain of joy and inspiration.
âINFPs never seem to lose their sense of wonder. One might say they see life through rose-colored glasses. Itâs as though they live at the edge of a looking-glass world where mundane objects come to life, where flora and fauna take on near-human qualities.â
According to Myers-Briggs, INFPs focus much of their energy on an inner world dominated by intense feeling and deeply held ethics. They seek an external life that is in keeping with these values. Loyal to the people and causes important to them, INFPs can quickly spot opportunities to implement their ideals. They are curious to understand those around them, and so are accepting and flexible unless their values are threatened.
What stresses out an INFP:
Rigidity in rules and timelines
Not enough time alone, too much extroversion
Too many demands on their time
A lack of authenticity from others
Having their creativity stifled
Having to focus too extensively on sensory/concrete details
Criticism or confrontation
Fear that they might lose someone or something
When under stress, an INFP gets lost in internal turmoil. They feel caught between pleasing others and maintaining their own integrity and taking care of their well-being. Their natural tendency to identify with others, compounded with their self-sacrificial tendencies, leaves them confused about who they really are. They feel lost and perplexed during stressful times; and as stress builds they can fall into the grip of their inferior function, extraverted thinking. When this happens, they will do things that are typically out of character. They may become obsessed with fixing perceived problems, and righting wrongs. They may blurt out hostile thoughts or engage in destructive fantasies directed at just about anyone available. They also may have biting sarcasm and cynicism. They may become aggressively critical to others and themselves, dwelling on all the âfactsâ necessary to support their overwhelming sense of failure.
How to help an INFP experiencing stress:
Give them space and time alone to sort out their feelings
Remind them of their strengths
Donât give them advice, this will only make them feel worse
Let them âget awayâ from it all
Exercise can help - however, with these types itâs best not to suggest it when they are stressed, but after, as a solution
Forgive them if theyâve been overly critical while stressed.
Let them work on a project theyâve been interested in, but maybe have been too busy to spend time on
gummygunk
discoholicmusic
romaincrisis
stormborns
prguitarman
