Everyone thinks that since some people are extremely outgoing, that everything is all good with that person. But, even the strong friend goes through private battles sometimes.
As someone who is an extrovert, I've been the outgoing, lively, people-loving person of the group. As an extrovert, I've also dealt with depression for a very long time.
Model: Fontaine Felisha Foxworth Photo: Charles Lyles @lylesimage
My exterior is genuine, but it is often an armor for how I've dealt with my personal despair and feelings of alienation from others throughout the years. Contrary to popular belief, extremely extroverted people are the greatest empathic observers of life, however, they don't always show it.
If you are someone who is always the life of the party, the storyteller, the comedian, the wild card, or the most outspoken person in the group, it's likely that you may be used to everyone thinking that you are rarely sad or feeling blue. Perhaps you're like me and your extroverted ways cover up some very private woes that you seem to handle alone.
No matter how alone you feel, understand that you are important, you are loved, you matter, and you are on this earth for a reason. Depression is very real and can often lead to feelings of defeat, but it isn't impossible to overcome. The following list include ways that I, as an extroverted millennial empath fight my own battle with depression and how you can too.
Shout & Cry It Out
Model: Fontaine Felisha FoxworthPhoto: Charles Lyles @lylesimage
When I'm feeling weighed down by sadness, sometimes it helps me to let it go by screaming as loudly as I can. This is obviously something you do in the privacy of your own home when no one is around, or out in nature where no one can hear you. Ask God, the universe, your spirit guides, or whomever you ask for guidance, for urgent help in your time of need. Tell them how you have been feeling, and what you have been going through. Curse at them if you have to! Demand answers! You might sound crazy to yourself, but you will feel 100% lighter once you let it go.
It might help to close all your windows, and sit in a closet to muffle the sound. Once you get the frustration out, tears may naturally fall, and you will feel a soothing release.
Dance Your Heart Out
Model: Fontaine Felisha FoxworthPhoto: Charles Lyles @lylesimage
In your room or private space, put on some music that makes you happy and stirs your soul. Allow your body to translate the rhythms, vibrations, frequencies, and emotions of the music. When you are extroverted, speech is not the only way that you express yourself. Through moving your body, you can nonverbally extend your extroverted nature. Sometimes going out and dancing can take your mind off any heaviness in your heart.
The mantra "dancing like nobody's watching" has lifted my vibration and helped elevate my low spirits. I show out when I'm dancing! Sometimes music is not even necessary. Dancing to the sounds of nature is very healing. Go to the beach or the park to release any pain you may feel by dancing. I like to record myself dancing and share it with the world. Express yourself and surrender to release.
Be Transparent On Social Media
Model: Fontaine Felisha FoxworthPhoto: Charles Lyles @lylesimage
One thing that extroverted people have in common is that they are very transparent about the many troubles in their lives. Being honest in this day and age can be hard to do when we are surrounded by such superficiality. If you have an Instagram or Facebook account, don't be afraid to speak your truth openly to others. As long as you are authentic, you will receive an outpouring of support from folks that you didn't even know are watching.
You inspire more people than you even realize. People like Cardi B and Letitia Wright are rising to success by gaining more than just followers. They are gaining empathy and support from people who are moved by their realness, extroverted individuality, and their willingness to speak their truth. You also never know who you could help get through their own tough times just by sharing your honesty.
Transmute Any Sadness Through Creativity & Imagination
Model: Fontaine Felisha FoxworthPhoto: Charles Lyles @lylesimage
One of the greatest things that got me out of one of the lowest depressive points in my adult life was the inspiration I received for a creative project I created, originally called Brown Girl Tarot. On top of becoming ill, I was experiencing what spiritualists call the "Dark Knight of The Soul." The depths of my despair was darker than anything I had ever experienced before. I was suicidal and malnourished. I stayed inside my house for days on end without eating or showering. It was as if I was in another dimension of pain and depression.
The only thing that saved me was expression of my imagination, visions, and dreams through divinely-inspired creativity. My bright future in lightworking, humanitarianism, writing, filmmaking, and entrepreneurship is what keeps me elevated. Out of that sinister darkness came light and healing through art, imagination, and spirituality.
Find Yourself Through A Spiritual Journey
Model: Fontaine Felisha FoxworthPhoto: Charles Lyles @lylesimage
Last but not least on this list, is the importance of experiencing a spiritual journey of enlightenment. I call my own ascension, "Finding Fontaine." By understanding the importance of the seven chakras in the human body, I was able to balance my energy to overcome ongoing depression. This is something that anyone, with any kind of personality, should utilize to overcome the darkness of depression. It takes work and dedication to constantly work with your aura to remain mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically healthy.
You were given the personality that you have, on this earth for a reason. The universe makes no mistakes. Transmute all the alienation that you have ever felt in the past because of your outgoing qualities, to not only heal yourself first and foremost - but to be of service to the collective well-being of all humanity.
Once you embark on the transformative journey of spiritual ascension, your extroverted persona will only allow you to shine brighter as a beacon of light to others.
Are you the extrovert in your friend group? How do you overcome feelings of depression or sadness when everyone sees you as the "strong friend"? Let us know in the comments down below.