Understanding INFPs, Trauma, and Growth

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[@GeekPsychology]

I was hesitant to film and release this video, but I’ve decided to because the mindset might help someone like it did me. I hope it helps.

[@genesischaparro8954]

The part of your childhood being a black spot in the timeline resonated with me; I can barely remember things, only certain things where I was feeling really strong emotions, and so I feel like my early life passed by so quickly.

[@GeekPsychology]

Strong emotions solidify memories, but it’s hard to do that if you dissociate yourself from the experiences. That’s also a “strategy” that the brain uses to alleviate trauma. The brain is weird :o

[@FutureFendiFsnista]

I definitely dont think that INFPs are more prone to trauma or PTSD more than other personality types. The problem lies with people assuming that because they are depressed or struggling in life they are INFPs. That's where the whole sad depressed trope associated with INFP comes from. While I agree with what you have said about learning to grow from challenges, saying that people are "collecting labels" is out of touch and really invalidating. As someone who has been diagnosed with ptsd and other conditions from childhood abuse, I had no idea why I was struggling so hard until i recieved these diagnoses. I didnt ask to be abused as a child or struggle with these diagnoses yet here I am. Now that I know what I am dealing with, I am able to see where I need extra support and make adjustments accordingly. There are many scientific studies done on how your childhood (trauma included) affects you in your adulthood. There are just too many commonalities for it to be collecting labels. Maybe doing a deep dive into them before making such a harmful blanket statement would bring some insight.

[@GeekPsychology]

I’m sorry that you were in abusive situations and I’m glad you have received support and that the diagnoses were helpful. It’s a horrible thing to deal with. Also, you then are not who I was referring to. I guess I didn’t make that clear enough. I’ve met tons of people in my profession and just out and about who list off labels and diagnoses and reasons for why their situation is the problem. Even though they were clearly maintaining habits that created those issues. I’ve also met people who have had horrible traumas and have found ways to use that as a reason to be even more passionate about making a change (for themselves and others). And I’ve also met people who haven’t, of course. I wonder in which reality I met all of them if it’s not this one ^^ Thank you for commenting

[@ValiaLing]

Your comments about the use of labels is an interesting perspective. On the flipside: as someone who was diagnosed later in life, I have found it deeply reassuring and somewhat freeing to be able to attach labels to what I had always thought were personal failures and deep character flaws. Realizing that I have cPTSD, ADHD, Depression, etc. has given me a partial explanation for some of my lifelong struggles and helped me have more patience with myself. Being able to attach a name to some of my experiences has allowed me to access a deeper level of healing and self-acceptance, and the more I learn about these conditions, the more I understand about my life path up to this point. Labels can definitely be used as an excuse, but they can also be a powerful healing tool! 😸

[@GeekPsychology]

Thank you for commenting. That’s the big distinction. If it’s helpful, then continue to use it. But if it’s not, and it’s limiting you (or whomever) then maybe it’s time to consider talking about it as a verb instead of a noun. Like, instead of “I have X,” would “I do (Y behavior).” be more helpful in some circumstances? I’ve noticed it has been for me. Like, “I’m an alcoholic” is waaaay different than “I drink too much alcohol” - ya know?

[@Cuspofrevolution]

😊 true that. Ive suffered traumas but in retrospect compared to others its just another curve in the road. Im learning slowly not to take lifes hurdles as something to end living but to learn from the suffering we endure and be kinder to onesself as no one is harsher that ourselves 😊

[@juliedebiasio]

Mr. Sherman, thank you for your post today. As you were speaking, I felt something unlock in me. It’s hard to describe. I don’t have the right words. But I feel very grateful for your insight. Wishing the best for you and yours.

[@GeekPsychology]

You are very welcome! Please let me know when you have the words (or images… or sounds…) that convey it!

[@preetikabaghel9575]

How beautifully put. It is indeed our mindset that makes a difference. Who doesn't have trauma by the time one reaches adulthood. What is important is what we make of it and what we focus on. Thank you for articulating it so eloquently.

[@GeekPsychology]

Thank you. People can do really bad things. And we can be incapacitated by it or we can find a way to motivate ourselves to make a change. Neither are easy.

[@poltergeistbingo9144]

This is really excellent. Thank you. I think you're right that it's not much help to give oneself endless labels that solidify how you are right now. It is good to 'know thyself' and where you come from. But moving forward in a positive direction is the thing to focus on. I like your videos :) I'm glad you filmed and released this one

[@GeekPsychology]

Glad it was helpful ^^ I guess if you know where you are, then you don’t really need to know where you came from in order to get to where you want to be.

[@tracyzimmerman7912]

My memories of my childhood are few and far between. Being a survivor of emotional physical and sexual abuse I only have several vivid memories. I struggle with anxiety depression and CPTSD. Oh and I also delt with the divorce of my parents. The problem has always been how do I process all of this and move on. I will say that INFP that have had much trauma gain much empathy and compassion for others. The question is how do you have it for yourself? Ps I was diagnosed with these. I didn't want this.

[@FutureFendiFsnista]

This has been my experience too minus the divorce part (though they really should have been). I, too, am diagnosed with PTSD from childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, and ADHD. It's like I am stuck in a loop trying my hardest to move on but not knowing how. I also have so much anger and hate towards myself that I wouldn't have for friend or loved one. You are not alone, friend. Sending much love and good vibes to you 💛

[@GeekPsychology]

Sorry to hear that :( what have you done that has helped? NLP and hypnosis work very well. I’d suggest timeline work (informed child) and parts work. Tapping too. Sandtray therapy too.

[@MusParvulus]

As much as I love MBTI, your MBTI is a label, too. In my opinion, my MBTI type doesn't cause or even explain my behaviors, rather I typed as something because of a set of behaviors that I display - what causes them remains unaddressed in this case. I thought I was so disconnected from the present moment because I'm an INFP, but I recently found out that I dissociate from trauma. I believe if not for the trauma, I might have typed as something else with at least a shred of extroverted sensing. I mostly like being an INFP, but I hope to experience living life more mindfully before this is all over. I suppose for a person mostly free from trauma, their MBTI could be seen as more explanatory of their behaviors - I guess we could assume their type captures their true self's preferred ways of being?

[@zori.04]

You are so correct, MBTI is a label about "how" and your behavior and brain configuration to perceive information/stimulus and decision making. However, I found that my "why" is more explained in another label I have used for better understanding of myself and my upbringing, which is the enneagram, based on the childhood wounds. Obviously, your environment plays a huge role, however, reading into the enneagram in dept just clicked something inside of me and I started tearing up as if I was revealing major causes of myself. The label that gives you the "what" can only be defined by you and only you after your inner research. Like our fellow INFP said on the video, some labels serve for growth and some for stagnation. These labels after all are man-made, therefore a lot of room for ambiguity and inaccuracies. Everyone is free to use every label that resonates with them as they see fit. Choose wisely and with love to yourself. Take care, hope this helps 🥦

[@MediatorInfp]

I don't know if every infps had trauma , but me yes for sure 😢. This trauma is a big problem , i can't live a normal life , succeed and be happy . I think meditation sport and good loyal friends are important to overcome this shit . But even so , i'll still hate life till my death day .. and this day will be a relief to me .

[@thundercleese]

I love what you said starting at 6:33 regarding collecting labels.

[@GeekPsychology]

Good ^^ it’s not an easy perspective to take for some, but it’s helped me a lot in various forms.

[@MiladaGimova]

Thank You for your work and effort, it really helps❤💜🩷

[@GeekPsychology]

You're welcome 😊 thank you for commenting and watching as well

[@cashmerefire7335]

Exact same situation as you as a fellow infp man. Objectively my childhood was pretty okay i think but the memory is all gone and i do know that i didnt enjoy the experience at all

[@cashmerefire7335]

I was bullied and embarrassed at times for sure