Lessons About Suicidality from Enneagram 6, Chris Morris
Dec 12, 2024
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Chris Morris, an Enneagram 6, mental health coach, and author of "Resilient and Redeemed," shares his profound journey through trauma and suicidality. He discusses the intersection of faith and mental health, revealing how misconceptions in church communities hinder healing. Chris emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, transparency, and supportive relationships. Listeners discover how personal struggles can lead to resilience and the role of unconditional love in mental wellness, all woven through poignant biblical insights.
Chris Morris emphasizes the profound impact of trauma on the Enneagram Six's trust issues and relationships, urging understanding and transparency about mental health struggles.
The podcast highlights the necessity for churches to address misconceptions about mental health, fostering inclusive environments that support those with mental health conditions.
Deep dives
Understanding the Enneagram Type Six
The episode delves into the unique characteristics of the Enneagram Type Six, highlighting their core desire for security and trust. Chris shares his journey of self-discovery, explaining how he was identified as a Six by a friend and how the Enneagram offered insights into his behavior and relationships. He emphasizes that Sixes tend to be slow to trust, which stems from a fear of vulnerability and past traumas, but once trust is established, they exhibit unwavering loyalty. This complexity shapes their interactions, often leading to deep connections with loved ones while also fostering caution with new acquaintances.
The Impact of Trauma on Personality Development
The podcast addresses how trauma influences personality types, with Chris acknowledging that experiences can shape an individual's Enneagram type. He reflects on the difficult balance of nature and nurture in personality development, emphasizing that many environmental factors, including trauma, play significant roles. Chris highlights that understanding one's personality can illuminate patterns in behavior and emotional responses. He encourages listeners to consider how their past experiences inform their present actions and their approach to relationships.
Faith and Mental Health: Breaking Down Myths
A significant theme in the conversation explores the intersection of faith and mental health, particularly misconceptions within church communities. Chris articulates that many churches perpetuate harmful myths, such as equating spiritual maturity with mental well-being, which can hinder individuals from seeking help. He advocates for a deeper understanding of mental health issues and suggests that places of worship should educate their congregations on these topics. This shift in perspective could foster an inclusive environment where individuals with mental health conditions feel welcomed and supported.
The Importance of Talking About Mental Health
Chris emphasizes the necessity of open conversations regarding mental health to combat the stigma that surrounds it. He reflects on his own struggles, including his suicide attempt and the isolation that resulted from not being transparent with those closest to him. Through his journey, he learned that withholding information about his mental state from friends and family was detrimental, both to himself and those who cared about him. By sharing his story publicly, he aims to empower others to seek help and to foster dialogues within their communities about mental health challenges.
Did you know that suicide is one the leading causes of death in the United States? According to the CDC, “In 2022, an estimated 13.2 million adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.8 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.6 million attempted suicide.”
Today on Typology, Enneagram 6, Chris Morris, joins us for an important and vulnerable conversation about his new book “Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons About Suicidality from the Psych Ward.” We discuss his experiences as an Enneagram Six, the impact of trauma on personality, and his journey through mental health challenges, including a suicide attempt.
Throughout this impactful conversation, Chris discloses his insights on trust, relationships, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable, especially in writing about personal struggles with depression and suicidality.
We candidly explore:
the intersection of faith and mental health, addressing common myths within church communities that can negatively impact mental health
the importance of transparency about mental health struggles
the church's role in supporting individuals with mental health conditions, and the need for inclusive communities
biblical examples of mental health struggles, highlighting the importance of seeking help and the belief that healing is possible
If you, or someone you know, are struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm, I urge to seek help. It’s vital to speak aloud the darkness you are internalizing and experiencing, and to surrender yourself into the hands of people right away before overwhelm feels irreversible. Please reach out to someone you trust or contact the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. They are available online or dial or text 988 from your phone.