Also known as the "Challengers". Their boxing gloves are always ready to step into the ring.
Type 8's are the most dominant and intense of ALL the enneagram numbers.
Think 240v plug. They do not have a dimmer switch. They're either on or off. There is no in between. This is the personality type that always says "if anything is worth doing, its worth overdoing" and I can speak to this being true because I live with a Challenger.
So what shows up when 8's face a long, drawn out pandemic, particularly if they aren't self aware and masters at self care?
Burn. Out.
Shut down.
Extra controlling.
Barking orders.
Sound familiar?
They're the fighters, they're driven by integrity, they're protectors, and they have an intense underlying need to never feel vulnerable.
When in stress, the 8's stop allowing others to help them, and start assuming the worst about others. They get REALLY irritated about people not making choices that make sense. They dive into analyzing information and creating structure to maintain a sense of control.
In simpler terms, they become steamrollers.
So what to do?
3 Tips to Thrive
For 8's to come back to health they need a few things.
Stillness. It's uncomfortable as #$*@, but 8's must embrace slowing down
Exercise. For gut types, action is part of how they process what's going on. This is especially true for an impulsive number like 8, and funneling that energy to exercise instead of some other random action is important.
Get vulnerable. Again, uncomfortable as #$*@, and yet it is the pathway to your neutral self and where you are the most healthy (positive side of the helper)