Each of us have times when we feel like we are overly stressed. But, the ways we all handle stress can differ. Some people are reactive, some withdraw, some become more needy and others deny that they have needs. The Enneagram shows us how these differences might show, based on our Enneagram Type.
Learning about how we react when under stress can be beneficial because it helps us know when we are stressed and approaching unhealthy levels of stress, know when we may become stressed and even understand how to deal with stress in a healthier way.
In the Enneagram system, each Type is connected to many other types. One of these types is call our Stress Path, which is also refereed to as Stress Number or Line of Disintegration. The Stress Path simply means that when you are under stress, you take on some of the traits of other Stress Path.
First, when you are under stress, you can take on the unhealthy traits of your Stress Path to cope with feeling stressed. In addition, you can also take on some of the healthy traits of that number to cope with the stress, too.
Let’s take a look at each of the ways people deal with stress, based on their Enneagram Type.
Type 1 – The Idealist
Under stress, Type 1s move toward Type 4. Some of the average to unhealthy traits of Type 4 that they may take on including becoming moody, irrational, envious and withdrawn. If you are a Type 1 and noticing that you are feeling one or more of these, use that as a sign you may be approaching high levels of stress.
Additionally, Type 1s may start to use some of Type 4’s healthier traits, such as introspection, creativity, and authenticity. Use those healthier traits to help you cope with stress.
Type 2 – The Giver
Under stress, Type 2s move toward Type 8. Some of the average to unhealthy traits of Type 8 that they may take on including becoming controlling, confrontational, tactless, driven and blaming. If you are a Type 2 and noticing that you are feeling one or more of these, use that as a sign you may be approaching high levels of stress.
Additionally, Type 2s may start to use some of Type 8’s healthier traits, such as being attuned to personal power, boldness, candid, decisive and protective. Use those healthier traits to help you cope with stress.
Type 3 – The Performer
Under stress, Type 3s move toward Type 9. Some of the average to unhealthy traits of Type 9 that they may take on including becoming apathetic, disengaged, self-doubting and unmotivated. If you are a Type 3 and noticing that you are feeling one or more of these, use that as a sign you may be approaching high levels of stress.
Additionally, Type 3s may start to use some of Type 9’s healthier traits, such as relaxed, mellow and easygoing. Use those healthier traits to help you cope with stress.
Type 4 – The Romantic
Under stress, Type 4s move toward Type 2. Some of the average to unhealthy traits of Type 2 that they may take on including becoming clingy, manipulative, suppressing needs, and craving attention from others.If you are a Type 4 and noticing that you are feeling one or more of these, use that as a sign you may be approaching high levels of stress.
Additionally, Type 4s may start to use some of Type 2’s healthier traits, such as being responsive, being more attune to others, friendlier and more consistent in interactions. Use those healthier traits to help you cope with stress.
Type 5 – The Observer
Under stress, Type 5s move toward Type 7. Some of the average to unhealthy traits of Type 7 that they may take on including becoming unreliable, self-focused, hyperactive, indulgent and distracted. If you are a Type 5 and noticing that you are feeling one or more of these, use that as a sign you may be approaching high levels of stress.
Additionally, Type 5s may start to use some of Type 7’s healthier traits, such as playful, spontaneous, visible and more social. Use those healthier traits to help you cope with stress.
Type 6 – The Supporter
Under stress, Type 6s move toward Type 3. Some of the average to unhealthy traits of Type 3 that they may take on including becoming competitive, arrogant, appearance focused, and focused on success. If you are a Type 6 and noticing that you are feeling one or more of these, use that as a sign you may be approaching high levels of stress.
Additionally, Type 6s may start to use some of Type 3’s healthier traits, such as confident, efficient, energetic, and motivated. Use those healthier traits to help you cope with stress.
Type 7 – The Adventurer
Under stress, Type 7s move toward Type 1. Some of the average to unhealthy traits of Type 1 that they may take on including becoming judgmental, perfectionistic, rigid, sarcastic and critical. If you are a Type 7 and noticing that you are feeling one or more of these, use that as a sign you may be approaching high levels of stress.
Additionally, Type 7s may start to use some of Type 1’s healthier traits, such as rational, structured, dutiful, honest, organized and prepared. Use those healthier traits to help you cope with stress.
Type 8 – The Protector
Under stress, Type 8s move toward Type 5. Some of the average to unhealthy traits of Type 8 that they may take on including becoming withdrawn, suspicious, disconnected, uncompromising and neglecting themself. If you are a Type 8 and noticing that you are feeling one or more of these, use that as a sign you may be approaching high levels of stress.
Additionally, Type 8s may start to use some of Type 5’s healthier traits, such as self-reflective, objective, insightful and able to recharge with solitary time. Use those healthier traits to help you cope with stress.
Type 9 – The Mediator
Under stress, Type 9s move toward Type 6. Some of the average to unhealthy traits of Type 6 that they may take on including becoming anxious, hyper-vigilante, pessimistic, reactive and self-doubting. If you are a Type 9 and noticing that you are feeling one or more of these, use that as a sign you may be approaching high levels of stress.
Additionally, Type 9s may start to use some of Type 6’s healthier traits, such as loyal, deliberative, insightful, supportive and expressive. Use those healthier traits to help you cope with stress.
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