Feeling afraid or anxious when witnessing a family fight, even if it's not your family, is a common and natural reaction. There are several psychological and emotional reasons behind this response:
Empathy: As human beings, we have the ability to empathize with others, which means we can understand and share the emotions of those around us. When we witness conflict or aggression, our empathetic nature can make us feel the emotional intensity of the situation, leading to fear, discomfort, or sadness.
Fear of Conflict: Witnessing a family fight can trigger a fear of conflict or violence, even if it's not directed at us. Conflict can be unsettling and unpredictable, and our natural instinct is to protect ourselves from potentially dangerous situations.
Unresolved Past Trauma: If you have experienced trauma or witnessed family conflicts in your own past, seeing similar situations in other families may bring back those memories and emotions, causing fear or anxiety.
Sense of Helplessness: When witnessing a family fight, you might feel a sense of helplessness or powerlessness, as you cannot directly intervene or control the situation. This feeling of being unable to help can contribute to anxiety.
Mirror Neurons: Mirror neurons in our brains play a role in understanding and imitating the actions and emotions of others. When we see someone else experiencing strong emotions like anger or fear, our mirror neurons can activate, making us feel a similar emotional response.
Insecurity and Vulnerability: Witnessing family conflict might remind you of the vulnerability and instability that can exist within families. This can evoke feelings of insecurity, especially if you value close family relationships.
Social Conditioning: Society often portrays family as a safe and nurturing environment. Witnessing family conflict challenges this perception and can evoke fear and discomfort due to the contrast with the expected norm.
Emotional Sensitivity: Some people are more emotionally sensitive and reactive to the emotions of others, making them more likely to feel fear or anxiety when witnessing intense conflicts.
If you find that witnessing family fights or conflicts in other families consistently triggers fear or anxiety that significantly affects your well-being, it might be helpful to explore these feelings with a therapist or counselor. They can assist you in understanding the underlying reasons for your reactions and provide coping strategies to manage your emotional responses more effectively. Remember, seeking help and support is a sign of strength and a step towards emotional growth and self-awareness.