The experience of panicking when someone else panics is a common phenomenon known as "emotional contagion." It occurs because humans are inherently social beings, and our brains are wired to pick up and mimic the emotions of others, often on a subconscious level. This automatic emotional mirroring can happen without us even realizing it.
There are a few reasons why emotional contagion occurs:
Mirror neurons: Mirror neurons are a type of brain cell that fires both when we perform an action and when we see someone else perform the same action. They play a crucial role in our ability to imitate and empathize with others. When someone panics, our mirror neurons might activate, causing us to involuntarily "mirror" their emotional state, including feelings of panic or fear.
Social bonding: Emotional contagion is closely linked to social bonding and group cohesion. When someone in a group panics, it signals potential danger or threat, triggering a survival response in others to pay attention and be prepared for a similar threat. This heightened state of alertness can lead to experiencing panic-like symptoms even when there might not be an obvious reason for it.
Empathy and emotional empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Emotional empathy, in particular, involves feeling the emotions of others as if they were our own. Some individuals are more empathetic than others, making them particularly susceptible to emotional contagion.
Nonverbal cues: People communicate emotions through various nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. These cues can be powerful triggers for emotional contagion, as they often bypass conscious processing and directly influence our emotional responses.
It's important to note that emotional contagion can be both positive and negative. For instance, when someone around you is happy and enthusiastic, you might also feel uplifted and joyful. On the other hand, negative emotions like panic or fear can spread too.
Being aware of emotional contagion can help you better manage your reactions in high-stress situations. By recognizing that your panic might be a result of picking up on someone else's panic, you can consciously work on maintaining a sense of calm and rationality, which may help to reduce the intensity of your emotional response. Additionally, developing emotional intelligence and mindfulness techniques can aid in regulating your emotions and better understanding the impact of others' emotions on you.