Escaping Depression: A Comprehensive Guide for ENFJs and All

As a person who belongs to the ENFJ personality type, I can attest that the journey out of depression is both challenging and deeply personal. My own experience in 2017 and 2018 illustrates the profound impact of losing a close friend who was like a lighthouse in my life. This article aims to provide a detailed roadmap for others dealing with depression, drawing from both scientific insights and personal experiences.

Understanding Depression: A Quest to Solve a Mystery

Depression can be seen as a quest to solve a mystery. It is a journey where you recall and reflect on times of happiness, eventually pinpointing the threads that led to a sense of anger, sadness, and ultimately, depression. Through this exploration, you may discover who to blame and who took away your freedom. As you piece together the puzzle, you will gradually find yourself stepping out of the depression.

Professional Help and Medication Considerations

First and foremost, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional. A thorough health check specifically for thyroid issues and comprehensive blood work can help identify any underlying conditions that might be contributing to your depression. If diagnosed with a chemical imbalance or thyroid problem, it is necessary to seek professional treatment. For others, the issue might be purely psychosocial, in which case focusing on environmental and mental health strategies might be more appropriate.

Creating a New Environment

If your health tests come back clear, the next step is to change your environment. This could involve moving to a completely new place or even finding a new residence in a different area. Surrounding yourself with new people and completely altering your surroundings can help clear up previous bad mental conditioning. It’s akin to rebooting a computer, wiping out old looping processes that sapped your mental energy. This change can help your brain create new survival patterns that are more conducive to recovery.

Physical and Mental Health Strategies

Sleep and Rest: Ensure you get at least 8 hours of sleep. Sleep is crucial for healing and mental rejuvenation. Proper rest can significantly alleviate depressive symptoms.

Healing Through Nature: Spend as much time in nature as possible, and observe beautiful imagery. Take walks in the early morning to align with the sunrise, which can positively impact your mental health. Spend time around animals and in the presence of big trees, which can provide a sense of comfort and belonging.

Using the Five Senses: Engage all your senses to promote healing and relaxation. Listen to comedy, burn high-quality incense, and take a full-body massage. Practice low-intensity exercises and avoid negative news. Positive and uplifting content can help redirect your mental energy.

Medication and Its Role

While I am not a medical professional, I can share my personal experience with medication. I started taking Wellbutrin in March 2018 to address my lack of motivation, which seemed to be the primary symptom. After a few months, I noticed a significant improvement in my ability to be more proactive and get things done. The medication did not make me feel different, but it increased my motivation, enabling me to complete my class work and find an internship for my masters degree. However, it’s important to consult a doctor before starting any medication.

Forgiveness and Moving On

Forgiveness is a pivotal step in the recovery process. It might take some time to forgive those who took away your freedom or caused you emotional harm. Once you are able to forgive, you can move on and allow happiness to return.

In conclusion, the path to recovery from depression is complex and varies from person to person. By addressing physical health, creating a new environment, engaging in mental health strategies, and seeking professional help where necessary, you can begin to heal and move forward.

Keywords: depression, ENFJ, recovery