The Wisdom of the Enneagram

by Don Richard Riso

THE RED FLAG: THE SIX IN TROUBLE WARNING SIGNS POTENTIAL PATHOLOGY: Paranoid, Dependent, and Borderline Personality Disorders, Dissociative Disorders, and passive-aggressive behaviors, intense anxiety attacks. Intense anxiety and panic attacks Acute inferiority feelings and chronic depression Constant fear of losing support from others Alternating dependency and impulsive displays of defiance Keeping “bad company” and attachments to abusive relationships Extreme suspiciousness and paranoia Hysterical lashing-out at perceived enemies If Sixes are overstressed for an extended period of time, if they have suffered a serious crisis without adequate support or coping skills, or if they have suffered from chronic abuse in childhood, they may cross the shock point into the unhealthy range of their type. This may lead them to a fearful recognition that their own belligerent actions or defensive reactions are actually harming their security. If Sixes can recognize the truth in these fears, they may begin to turn their life around and move toward health and liberation. On the other hand, they may become even more panicky and reactive: “I’ll do anything for you! Don’t leave me!” or, at the other extreme, “They’ll be sorry they messed with me!” If Sixes persist in these attitudes, they may cross into the unhealthy range. If you or someone you know is exhibiting the following warning signs for an extended period of time—more than two or three weeks—getting counselin...