Hmm, the NFJs I've known are much warmer, make a point of reaching out. They're just natural counselors, ministers. It's all about the connection- like they're more concerned about others' feelings than their own- helping others. The NFPs I know, on the other hand (including myself), don't do that so readily (or naturally), especially with people they don't know. INFPs, anyway (it seems), are much more inclined to be inner focused- 'how does this affect me?' vs 'how does this affect others?' Just my perspective, so take it with a grain of salt.
I totally missed this post! I am beginning to think I will simply never know my type I am definitely one to sacrifice for others...and I have always had friends come to me for advice (or bring their friends to me) But I feel like I am quite concerned about how things affect me as well and that I can be selfish...
As far as psychiatric advancements go, I think a lot has been done in all honesty- with pharmaceuticals, anyway. The big hurdle, my guess would be, is that it's all so subjective- psychiatrists/psychologists ask, and they are totally dependent on their observations and the patient's perspective, anecdotal evidence. And those of us who suffer from mental illness, often don't tell all, aren't quite sure what to say, don't necessarily have the best memory, can think there are problems when there aren't, can cover up things that are important, etc. There's a lot of, "well, let's try this and see if it works. Hmm, it doesn't? Well, guess you don't have that... maybe it's this?"
I was Dx as ADD in high school, then bipolar in my early 20's, now it's ADD/ADHD combo and mild OCD. (Which is finally right!) I think there is definitely some trial and error involved in making diagnoses...it's unfortunate though! The bipolar meds made me worse and i feel like I lost a couple of years of life. I was so sick from the meds...I'm glad that's all over!!
Also, as anyone knows, it's really easy to convince yourself that you fit all of the diagnostic criteria for a particular mental illness when your systems aren't severe enough to warrant a diagnosis. And then there are multiple symptoms which are exhibited in multiple syndromes/diseases. It's complicated stuff.
I agree!
But I think that's the key- if your symptoms aren't screwing up your life, there is little reason for a diagnosis or to be treated. For example, I am a big-ass flake, I've been diagnosed with ADD, but my symptoms aren't that severe. I can rally to accomplish things, I did well in school, I can focus if I need to, etc. It's just personality/temperament more than anything. My bipolar on the other hand... led to major life fuck-ups and close to suicide. It's something that needs to be taken seriously.