As an INFP, your mind is wired to process the world through Introverted Feeling (Fi) and Introverted Sensing (Si)— you deeply feel everything. But sometimes, this interplay between Fi and Si can trap you in a cycle. Have you ever found yourself fixating on a bad experience, replaying it over and over? That’s your FiSi convergence at work.

When your Fi (the part of you that is aware of your own emotions) meets Si (the part of you that focuses on your inner world), it’s easy to get fixated on experiences that have affected you on an emotional level. Maybe it’s a memory of a time when you felt embarrassed or let down, and now, your brain won’t let you forget it. The interplay of FiSi reminds you about how awful it felt. Before you know it, you’re anxious, afraid to repeat that same painful experience. 

This sum interaction between each of these cognitive elements (Fi and Si) can also lead to depression. Depression for INFPs often happens when that Fi-driven self-reflection turns inward in a negative way, potentially spiraling out of control. Instead of remembering positive experiences or recognizing your worth, FiSi can cause you to dwell on times you felt hopeless, misunderstood, or like you didn’t measure up to your own ideals. In this mindset, you *lock* onto those low points, and judge yourself harshly for them. Depression may feel like a sinking feeling, a constant weight of “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t see things ever getting better.” You might isolate yourself, replaying old hurts and getting lost in your head, disconnected from the present.

And then there’s the future. You also have Extraverted Intuition (Ne), which is a cognitive mode of exploring your surroundings and the potentials they bring. But pair that with Extraverted Thinking (Te)—the cognitive mode of logically structuring the outer world—and anxiety can strike again. Together, this interplay of TeNe divergence puts you in a mindset where you are pulling up all kinds of “what if” scenarios, then pointing out every possible challenge. Instead of being excited about what’s ahead, you feel anxious, because your mind is flooded with everything that could go wrong. Depression may also come about when you feel stuck, convinced that you’re not capable of moving forward.

How to Use Your INFP Cognition to Overcome Anxiety and Depression

Here’s the thing: the very same functions that make you anxious can help you find peace. It’s all about how you choose to focus your energy.

FiSi(+): Add Joy Via Emotional Regulation

When you’re stuck in that fixation on old hurt, it can be hard to remember that you’ve also had positive experiences—ones that brought you joy, comfort, and peace. You can tap into FiSi(+) with a healthier, more empowering mindset. Instead of focusing on those past painful moments, start focusing on the good habits that make you feel safe and happy.

FiSi(+): “I’m grateful for the pleasant experiences I have whenever I keep to the habits that benefit me.”

Think about the small things you do that make you feel good. Maybe it’s something simple, like having a cup of tea in the morning, writing in your journal, or spending time with a favorite book. Those moments matter. Let yourself celebrate those moments. The more you focus on them, the more you’ll reinforce the habits that support your well-being.

This approach also works when depression sets in. Even when things feel hopeless, focusing on these small positive habits can remind you that there are pockets of light, even in the darkest days. Your brain is powerful—it can be retrained to focus on moments that uplift you, no matter how small they seem.

TeNe(-): Eliminate Fear By Evaluating Potential For Good Outcomes 

Then there’s the fear of the future. What if it doesn’t have to be scary? You can use your TeNe to explore different scenarios for your surroundings without getting so critical. What if you chose to look at challenges as opportunities to grow, rather than obstacles to fear?

TeNe(-): “I’m not afraid of possible challenges that may require me to step out of my comfort zone.”

Yes, it’s easier said than done. But every time you allow yourself to step into something new, you’ll grow a little more confident. Start small. Maybe it’s saying yes to something that makes you a bit nervous but excited too, like trying out a new hobby or talking to someone new. Your Ne loves novelty—it thrives on exploring new paths! And TeNe doesn’t have to be the bad guy here. This mindset can help you think practically, but not critically. Let it remind you that you have the tools to handle what comes your way, even if it’s unfamiliar.

Depression can make the future seem bleak, but by shifting your mindset toward TeNe(-), you can start seeing the future as a place of opportunity, not fear. Small challenges can become chances to build confidence and rediscover your ability to move forward, even when it feels difficult.

Anxiety & Depression Do Not Define You

It’s easy to feel like anxiety and depression are in control, especially as an INFP, where everything feels so big and deep. But these feelings don’t define you. Your mind is capable of so much more. It’s powerful enough to shift its focus, to learn, and to grow.

When anxiety and depression threaten to pull you down, remember that you have tools at your disposal. You can turn FiSi into a source of gratitude and comfort, focusing on the routines that ground you. You can use TeNe to challenge the fear of the unknown, seeing the future as a place for new experiences, not just more pain.

So, the next time you feel anxiety or depression creeping in, remember that your mind is powerful—powerful enough to help you find peace if you guide it in the right direction. You’re capable of more than you know, and your story is just beginning.

Finally, cognitive fluidity allows each person– no matter what type– to harness different mindsets for overcoming anxiety and depression. While the wellness mindsets of FiSi(+) and TeNe(-) are most likely to be helpful for INFPs, it is possible that the wellness mindsets of other types might help you too. If you are an INFP, you may find it helpful to first tap into the wellness mindsets of FiSi(+) and TeNe(-), then subsequently learn from the wellness mindsets of other types:

Mindset Quotes to Overcome Anxiety & Depression

 

ESTP (SeFe)

SeFe(+): I’m grateful to be able to engage in impressive activities and hang out with impressive people.

NiTi(-): I’m not afraid of reevaluating and ensuring I have a beneficial foundation for why I do what I do.  

 

ESFP (SeTe)

SeTe(+): I’m grateful for the fun activities and fun people that keep me thriving and feeling alive.

NiFi(-): I’m not afraid of reflecting on meaningful ways to stay happy, even if I didn’t have certain material possessions or accomplishments. 

 

ENTP (NeFe)

NeFe(+): I’m grateful for all the interesting ways I can innovate my surroundings and creatively influence others. 

SiTi(-): I’m not afraid to uphold different standards in order to be more organized and loyal in my interactions. 

 

ENFP (NeTe)

NeTe(+): I’m grateful for all the interesting opportunities to have fun in new ways.

SiFi(-): I’m not afraid of disciplining myself with habits that can actually sustain my well-being. 

 

ISTJ (SiFi)

SiFi(+): I’m grateful for familiar routines and trusted methods that provide comfort and stability. 

NeTe(-): I’m not afraid of letting go of pride or facing uncertainty when trying new methods. 

 

ISFJ (SiTi)

SiTi(+): I’m grateful that I can be diligent and meticulous with the tasks I do for others. 

NeFe(-): I’m not afraid of the uncertain, unpredictable outcomes when I address the emotional needs of others. 

 

INTJ (NiFi)

NiFi(+): I’m grateful to be pursuing meaningful goals that align with a wonderful destiny. 

SeTe(-): I’m not afraid of letting go of certain goals in order to engage in tedious but necessary work.

 

INFJ (NiTi)

NiTi(+): I’m grateful that everything happens for a meaningful reason. 

SeFe(-): I’m not afraid of handling unpleasant people in unpleasant situations.  

 

ESTJ (TeNe)

TeNe(+): I’m grateful for the diversity of tasks I could accomplish to fulfill multiple needs. 

FiSi(-): I’m not afraid of making peace with special situations that don’t align with my personal standards. 

 

ENTJ (TeSe)

TeSe(+): I’m grateful for all the accomplishments I’m making to fulfill an agenda. 

FiNi(-): I’m not afraid of finding contentment if my goals are not met. 

 

ESFJ (FeNe)

FeNe(+): I’m grateful for the diverse groups of people out there and the diverse ways I can make them happy. 

TiSi(-): I’m not afraid of questioning my own competency and work on improving it, even if it may mean spending less time with others.  

 

ENFJ (FeSe)

FeSe(+): I’m grateful for specific people in my life and the specific things I’m doing to make them happy.

TiNi(-): I’m not afraid of reevaluating whether my methods will truly achieve a beneficial goal for everyone. 

 

ISTP (TiNi)

TiNi(+): I’m grateful to be competent at making my ideas become a reality. 

FeSe(-): I’m not afraid of collaborating with people in a harmonious way as I pursue my goals. 

 

INTP (TiSi)

TiSi(+): I’m grateful to be competent at ensuring accuracy and precision in the work I do.

FeNe(-): I’m not afraid of handling new social situations that may require flexibility with my routine.

 

ISFP (FiNi)

FiNi(+): I’m grateful for the pleasant experiences I can have as I pursue my goals

TeSe(-): I’m not afraid of the challenging tasks that must be done to achieve the results I want.

 

INFP (FiSi)

FiSi(+): I’m grateful for the pleasant experiences I have whenever I keep to the habits that benefit me. 

TeNe(-): I’m not afraid of possible challenges that may require me to step out of my comfort zone.

 

 

As you can see, FiSi and TeNe are shared by both INFPs and ESTJs, with FiSi stimulating a more reflective mindset for INFPs, while encouraging a more TeNe-interactive mindset for ESTJs. As per the core principles of CPT, cognitive integration is about venturing outside of our cognitive comfort zone, leveraging the full potential of our cognition to become more balanced and healthy in our core type.

To further explore the above cognitive mindsets and how they can help each type combat anxiety and depression, check out: Cognitive Wellness Coaching