Being influenced by negative emotions of others

Being influenced by negative emotions from others is a common psychological phenomenon, which can be alleviated through self-regulation in most cases, and may require professional psychological intervention in a few cases.

Negative emotions are contagious, and when exposed to high-pressure environments for a long time or frequent contact with emotionally depressed individuals, they can easily lead to replacement trauma. This effect usually manifests as mild reactions such as low mood, scattered attention, and decreased sleep quality. By maintaining physical distance, practicing mindfulness meditation, and cultivating hobbies, emotional transmission can be effectively blocked. Establishing personal psychological boundaries is key. You can try keeping an emotional diary to distinguish your own emotions from those of others, and set aside time for solitude every day to restore energy. When persistent somatic symptoms such as palpitations, stomach pain, or social dysfunction persist for more than two weeks, the possibility of secondary anxiety or depression should be considered. This type of situation is common in highly sensitive individuals or individuals with untreated psychological trauma, accompanied by social avoidance, excessive alertness, and other manifestations. At this point, it is recommended to seek the help of a psychological counselor. Cognitive behavioral therapy and emotion focused therapy have targeted effects on psychological discomfort caused by emotional contagion.

Regular exercise can enhance emotional immunity in daily life, and it is recommended to engage in aerobic exercise three times a week. Adding foods rich in tryptophan, such as bananas and oats, to the diet can help stabilize emotions. Interacting with a positive and optimistic social circle while practicing short and effective psychological disengagement techniques, such as taking deep breaths or briefly leaving emotional scenes, can reduce the penetrative impact of negative emotions.