Are you someone who feels deeply connected to the emotions of others? Do you find yourself absorbing the moods and feelings of those around you, sometimes to an extreme degree? If so, you may be an empath. And if you also happen to have the INFJ personality type, then you are what is known as an INFJ empath.
INFJs are often classified as empaths due to their highly attuned ability to read and understand the emotions of others. They are known for their deep compassion and insight, making them gifted counselors and healers. However, being an empath can also be exhausting and overwhelming, especially for INFJs who tend to absorb the emotions of others on a deep level.
In this article, we will explore what it means to be an INFJ empath, how it differs from being a regular empath, and how INFJs can protect themselves while still using their gifts to help others. So if you’re ready to dive deeper into the world of INFJ empaths, keep reading.
What Is An INFJ Empath
INFJ empaths are individuals who possess both the INFJ personality type and the empathic ability to feel and understand the emotions of others. INFJs are introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging individuals who are highly sensitive to the emotions of those around them. They have a natural talent for understanding emotions and can appear to have clairvoyant abilities due to their ability to shift perspectives.
Empaths, on the other hand, are highly sensitive individuals who feel everything, sometimes to an extreme degree. They are naturally giving, spiritually attuned, and good listeners. They have the ability to connect with others on a deep level and are often attracted to people who are also empathic.
When these two traits combine in an individual, it creates an INFJ empath – someone who is highly attuned to the emotions of others and has a deep desire to help and heal those around them. INFJ empaths tend to be natural healers and counselors due to their high emotional intelligence and ability to understand the inner workings of others.
What Is An Empath And How Does It Relate To The INFJ Personality Type?
An empath is an individual who has the ability to feel and understand the emotions of others. They are highly sensitive to the emotions of those around them and can absorb both positive and negative emotions. Empaths are naturally giving, spiritually attuned, and good listeners. They have a deep desire to connect with others on a deep level and are often attracted to people who are also empathic.
The INFJ personality type is often classified as an empath due to their high sensitivity to the emotions of others. INFJs are introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging individuals who have a natural talent for understanding emotions. They can absorb both positive and negative emotions from those around them, which can be both a gift and a curse.
INFJ empaths tend to be deeply compassionate and insightful individuals who have a desire to help and heal those around them. They are often drawn to professions that involve caring for or counseling others. However, their high sensitivity can also make them prone to burnout and exhaustion.
It’s important for INFJ empaths to learn how to separate their own emotional world from the emotional worlds of others so that they can gently detach and avoid burning out. This involves carefully filtering out negative, toxic people as well as negative energy. INFJ empaths must also learn how to set and maintain good boundaries in their relationships.
The Unique Traits Of An INFJ Empath
While many of the traits of an INFJ empath are similar to those of other empaths and INFJs, there are some unique characteristics that set them apart. One of the most notable traits of an INFJ empath is their deep sense of compassion. They have a natural ability to detect when someone is feeling down and can easily put themselves in other people’s shoes. This allows them to establish strong bonds with others and form meaningful connections.
Another unique trait of an INFJ empath is their ability to translate their idealism into action. INFJs don’t just dream about changing the world, they actively work towards making it a better place. This trait is amplified in INFJ empaths, who have a strong desire to help and heal those around them.
INFJ empaths are also highly organized individuals who like to exert control by planning, organizing, and making decisions as early as possible. This trait helps them to stay grounded and focused, even when dealing with emotionally charged situations.
Perhaps most importantly, INFJ empaths have a rich inner world that allows them to connect deeply with others on an emotional level. They are able to see beyond surface-level interactions and understand the deeper emotions and motivations of those around them. This makes them powerful healers and counselors who are able to help others work through their emotional baggage and find inner peace.
The Challenges Of Being An INFJ Empath
Being an INFJ empath can be both a blessing and a curse. While it allows for a deep connection with others, it also presents unique challenges that can be difficult to navigate. Here are some of the challenges that INFJ empaths face:
1. Emotional Overload – INFJ empaths are highly sensitive to the emotions of others and can easily become overwhelmed by them. This can lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout, making it difficult to maintain healthy boundaries.
2. Difficulty Saying No – INFJ empaths have a strong desire to help and heal others, often at the expense of their own well-being. This can lead to difficulty saying no and taking on too much responsibility, leading to further emotional exhaustion.
3. Feeling Misunderstood – INFJ empaths are often misunderstood by those around them, who may not understand their deep emotional sensitivity or desire to help others. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
4. Absorbing Negative Energy – INFJ empaths have a tendency to absorb the negative energy of those around them, leading to feelings of anxiety, stress, and even physical symptoms.
5. Difficulty Letting Go – INFJ empaths tend to hold onto emotions and experiences for a long time, making it difficult to let go of negative experiences or move on from difficult situations.
Despite these challenges, being an INFJ empath is a unique gift that allows for deep connections with others and the ability to help and heal those around them. With self-care and healthy boundaries, INFJ empaths can navigate these challenges and thrive in their unique gifts.
Strategies For Protecting Yourself As An INFJ Empath
Being an INFJ empath can be both a gift and a challenge. While it’s rewarding to connect with others and help them heal, it can also be emotionally draining. Here are some strategies for protecting yourself as an INFJ empath:
1. Set boundaries: As an empath, it’s easy to become enmeshed with others’ emotions and take on their problems as your own. It’s important to set boundaries and recognize when you need to take a step back. This can include limiting the amount of time you spend with certain people or avoiding toxic relationships altogether.
2. Practice self-care: Taking time for yourself is crucial for maintaining emotional balance. This can include activities like meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature. It’s also important to prioritize sleep and healthy eating habits.
3. Surround yourself with positivity: As an INFJ empath, you may be more sensitive to negative energy than others. Surrounding yourself with positive people and environments can help keep your energy levels up and prevent emotional exhaustion.
4. Develop coping mechanisms: When faced with overwhelming emotions, it can be helpful to have coping mechanisms in place. This can include deep breathing exercises, journaling, or talking to a trusted friend or therapist.
5. Trust your intuition: As an INFJ empath, you have a natural intuition that can guide you in making decisions and navigating difficult situations. Trust your instincts and listen to your inner voice when making choices.
By implementing these strategies, you can protect yourself as an INFJ empath and continue to use your gifts to help others in a healthy and sustainable way. Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish – it’s necessary for being able to give back to those around you.
How INFJ Empaths Can Use Their Gifts To Help Others
INFJ empaths have a lot to offer the world in terms of their gifts and abilities. They have a unique perspective that allows them to understand the emotions and experiences of others, making them ideal for professions that involve healing, caring for, or counseling others. Some examples of these professions include therapists, social workers, nurses, and doctors.
Aside from these professions, INFJ empaths can also use their gifts to help others in their personal lives. They can be a source of comfort and support for friends and family who are going through difficult times. They can offer a listening ear and provide guidance and advice when needed.
However, it’s important for INFJ empaths to protect themselves as well. Due to their porous boundaries, they can easily become enmeshed with the emotions of others and absorb negative energy. To avoid burnout, INFJ empaths need to set boundaries and practice self-care regularly.
One way to do this is by giving themselves some sacred vows to live by in terms of what they will and won’t tolerate in their relationships. This can include avoiding toxic people and situations, taking time for themselves to recharge, and seeking support from others when needed.
Conclusion: Embracing And Celebrating Your INFJ Empath Identity
If you identify as an INFJ empath, it is important to embrace and celebrate your unique identity. Your ability to understand and feel the emotions of others can be a powerful tool for helping those around you. However, it is also important to take care of yourself and avoid burning out.
One way to do this is by learning to separate your own emotions from those of others. This can be a challenging task, but with practice and mindfulness, it is possible to gently detach from the emotions of others and maintain your own emotional boundaries.
Another important aspect of embracing your INFJ empath identity is recognizing your own values and goals. While it is easy to get caught up in the emotions and needs of others, it is important to remember yourself and what you want out of life. Take time for yourself and your own thoughts, and don’t be afraid to set boundaries when needed.
Finally, remember that being an INFJ empath is not a weakness – it is a strength. Your ability to understand and connect with others on a deep level can be a powerful tool for creating positive change in the world. Embrace your identity, celebrate your strengths, and use your talents to make a difference in the lives of those around you.
