As an ESTP, your mind is wired to lead with Extraverted Sensing (Se) and Extraverted Feeling (Fe)—you’re present, socially attuned, and driven to engage with the world around you in energizing, charismatic ways. But when life feels too abstract, stagnant, or emotionally unclear, you may find yourself spiraling into an anxious, chaotic frenzy. Ever caught yourself throwing yourself into social engagement as a way to escape from tumultuous thoughts in your head? That’s often the result of an unhealthy relationship with Introverted Intuition (Ni) and Introverted Thinking (Ti).

 

When you are engaging in SeFe(+), you operate in a vibrant, socially engaged state. You aim to enhance your environment by influencing others and fostering an engaging experience for yourself. 

 

However, when you are overindulging yourself in social interactions while finding yourself feeling easily disconnected and in a state of turmoil when you are left alone in your thoughts, you may find yourself on the verge of anxiety or depression, due to the unmet needs of the NiTi(-) side of your cognition. 

 

How to Use Your ESTP Cognition to Overcome Anxiety and Depression

 

SeFe(+): Reconnect With the Present Through Shared Emotional Energy

SeFe(+) is your power zone: you thrive when you're immersed in social engagement. When you're feeling anxious, overstimulated, or unsure of yourself, it can be easy to overindulge in these activities– this can actually threaten the charisma you bring to others, or destroy the lively engagements you once had with certain people. You may even be driven to charm others into thinking you are someone you aren’t, as a way to cover up an underlying fear of your weaknesses. 

Rather than engage in social activities and charm as a way to cover up underlying fears, seek social interactions because you genuinely enjoy fostering a lively, energetic atmosphere for yourself and others.

 

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

Remind yourself that if you truly care about being seen as proactive and charismatic to others, you wouldn’t be afraid to show any personal weaknesses to the people who matter to you. Given that SeFe(+) excels in establishing rapport, you have the strength to show others who you really are, in a way that will not compromise charisma nor authenticity. 

 

NiTi(-): Do not be afraid of questioning why you do what you do. 

You may not even realize how anxious you are about the thoughts that run through your head– especially thoughts about why you are who you are. You may find yourself ignoring these thoughts out of fear of the answer. However, questioning your actions does not need to be a fear-provoking experience. Instead, you can find meaning in learning more about who you are.

 

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

The more you understand your actions, the better you will be at taking action out of sincerity and passion, rather than out of fear. Think about whether the actions you do are fruitful to your well-being. Reflect on philosophies that truly help you feel more at peace with yourself and with others. When you are grounded in sound philosophies that boost your peace and confidence with yourself, you become more charismatic, thus enhancing your rapport with others once you return to SeFe(+)-mode.

 

 

Anxiety and Depression Do Not Define You

Your struggles don’t define you—they’re just signals that your cognition needs recalibration. Use SeFe(+) to ground yourself in authentic, present-moment experiences that restore your emotional confidence, rather than use such experiences as a way to escape your fears. Use NiTi(-) to ground yourself and your actions. Don’t be afraid to question yourself– reevaluating the foundation for your actions can actually be a positively transformative experience, and will even add to the charisma you bring to others.

Finally, cognitive fluidity allows each person– no matter what type– to harness different mindsets for overcoming anxiety and depression. SeFe(+) and NiTi(-) are most likely to be helpful for ESTPs, it is possible that the wellness mindsets of other types might help you too.  If you are an ESTP, you may find it helpful to first tap into the wellness mindsets of SeFe(+) and NiTi(-), 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)

 

NeTe(+): 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.

 

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