The Unhealthy Nine and Anger: The anger of the unhealthy Nine is repressed so deeply that they become dissociated from themselves. They disconnect themselves from reality, and may become unresponsive, distracted, and incapable of finishing anything they start.
In general, 8s, 9s, and 1s — the body type — tend to get angry when they see injustice, and when they feel like people are trying to control them, but this is expressed in different ways.
While Nines will go out of their way to accommodate others and downplay their own needs, setting themselves up to be overlooked, Nines dislike being ignored. Many Enneagram Nines are unaware of their own passive aggressive behaviour patterns and how these affect others around them.
When they are unhealthy, Nines become lethargic, unable to concentrate on a task and believe they do not matter in the grand scheme of things. They may become sluggish and unable to focus, simply procrastinating time away instead of achieving anything.
Level 9: They finally become severely disoriented and catatonic, abandoning themselves, turning into shattered shells. Multiple personalities possible. Generally corresponds to the Schizoid and Dependent personality disorders.
The basic fear of the Type 9 is that they may lose or be separated from others. They may attempt to prevent this by remaining peaceful and avoiding conflict, potentially adapting to others preferences, rather than stating their own.
Sixes are one of the most anxiety-prone types of the Enneagram and tend to overreact when under stress. Identifying what triggers an overreaction as well as finding space to process their thoughts in the aftermath of a crisis is crucial for their mental health and general well-being.
The Enneagram Nine Child – The Rejection of Their Voice
In a family where there was frequent conflict or turmoil, they learned to “tune out” the problems and try to numb themselves to the conflict inside.
They become passive-aggressive.
Passive-aggressive behavior and “negative implementation” are classic tools Type 9s use to stand their ground and yet still avoid conflict. They may agree to do something they never intend to do.
In Stress: Nines take on qualities of Sixes, becoming overcommitted, worried, rigid, and anxious. They may doubt themselves which makes decision-making even harder, and can become uncharacteristically reactive.
Type Nines commonly pair well with Ones, Twos.
Reassuring and harmonious, Nines are supportive to a fault, their conflict-averse nature may cause them to minimize and simplify problems.
Some Nines recognize their anger, they have feelings of resentment, they blow up on occasion, they might experience road rage. But many Nines do not “get angry” and are confused to hear that this is their leading emotional issue.
First, it can be hard for them to get a partner. Type 9s tend to be wallflowers, and potential romantic prospects may be drawn to flashier, more gregarious types initially. However, once people get to know Type 9s, they're attracted to their calm, caring personalities.
Type Fives don't pair as well with Nines
Both types tend to go into their imaginary worlds to stay safe, making it difficult for them to connect.
They often use the “silent treatment” to get back at people who are bothering them or disrupting their inner peace. As an example, an extremely unhealthy Nine might live in squalor, eating poorly and letting their children fend for themselves.
Nines have a tendency to shut down and disconnect from the world when they are not healthy. They separate themselves from their internal motivation. A lot of times the term Sloth is related to laziness or physical inaction.
Hudson explains that the NINE's passion or root sin—sloth—emerges from the loss of this oneness. The NINE feels, “I don't exist, I don't matter, I'm nothing, I'm not real. I'm peripheral. I'm disconnected from everything.
Weaknesses of the Enneagram 9
Having difficulties confronting other people. The tendency to minimize their feelings to avoid conflict. Avoidance behaviours when they find situations upsetting. Find themselves being passive-aggressive rather than facing their problems head-on.
Enneagram Type 9s might be the hardest to type in the Enneagram personality type system, but they're valuable personalities who sacrifice their own needs to help others feel comfortable.
However, when complacent Nines are under stress (also known as their “direction of disintegration”), they act more like an anxious and worried Enneagram type Six. This is a Nine no longer self-possessed, but fraught with anxiety and insecurity.
Type 9 Under Stress
Nines cope with stress by talking with friends, spending time alone, and crying.
Type Five: They are socially awkward
Contrary to this common misconception, Fives' constant introspection makes them funny and interesting to talk to. When around their friends, they open up and can even be the liveliest ones there. Fives isolate themselves because they recharge with alone time.
THE OVER-THINKERS: Types 5, 6, & 7
Types 5, 6, and 7 compose the head center which is focused on thinking. These types are OVER-THINKERS and need to have security, but they go about meeting this need in very different ways. Their actions are on a continuum.
Defense Mechanism
Nines use narcotization to avoid conflict, manage their anger and maintain a self-image of being comfortable or harmonious. Even productive activities can keep Nines sedated if they become too habitual. Avoiding conflict with others keeps Nines from being fully present in relationships.
Enneagram Eights at Their Worst:
At their worst, Eights are ruthless, violent, and power-hungry. Often damaged by a violent or abusive childhood, Eights at this level are determined that no one will ever hurt them or get close to them again.