Signs You Have a Habit of Emotional Mirroring

It's very easy to be busy in our lives and put our mental health at the very bottom of our list of priorities, if we put it at all. Our minds are extraordinary, but we need to guide them to recognize certain patterns because they won't do it on their own. 

Our daily behavior is a perfect indicator of our mental health and one of the many habits we need to keep an eye on is called emotional mirroring.

What Is Mirroring?

First, you need to keep in mind what is meant by mirroring. It is exactly what the term implies—the behavior in which one person tends to imitate another person's attitude. This can include the way someone speaks, makes eye contact, or makes certain gestures with their hands. 

When we mirror someone, we aren't really aware that we're doing it unless it is pointed out. Our bodies tend to do that as a way to build rapport and it's a sign that you're comfortable within your social setting. It is a good thing. 

What Is Emotional Mirroring?

Based on that previous definition, you can easily guess the meaning behind emotional mirroring. It is the same concept, but applied to our emotions and feelings. It is falling unaware into a habit of mimicking other people's emotions no matter what they are. 

If these feelings are positive, good for you, but even then you have to know what your feelings are. If their feelings can negatively affect you, not so much. Emotional mirroring is the basis for our ability to feel empathy, but being empathetic has its dark side. 

Your mind is often affected by another person's emotions, whether it's anger, sadness, depression, frustration, and so on. These feelings are then projected to you that you act like they are your own. They are mirrored to your mind and body.

What Are the Signs of Emotional Mirroring?

When our minds do this for a long time, we find ourselves quite drained and may not know why. Here are signs to look out for:

1. You tend to keep going on and on about the same conversations with a specific person

2. You feel drained after every encounter with them 

3. You find yourself always thinking about their problems which have nothing to do with you 

4. You find it hard to seperate your opinion from theirs about the issues 

5. You always feel stressed around them

6. After a while your body starts to signal to you that something is wrong. From headaches to stomach aches, your body begins to be affected physically as well. 

Feeling this way doesn't mean you don't want to help or that this person is not a loved one to your heart. It only means you need to change your approach and find ways to prioritize your own mental health needs in order to be able to help. 

What Can You Do?

Now that you know what to look out for, your mind will recognize your patterns. Furthermore, here are a few things you can do: 

1. Talk to a loved one you trust who isn't involved in the issue

2. Try to talk honestly to the person you feel you might be mirroring and share how you feel 

3. Make time for yourself.

If you're looking for ways to take a mental break, here are 5 Secrets for Empaths to Unwind and Recharge.

By: Amal Ghali