What Is Emotional Absorption And How To Identify Its Signs?

Are you one of those who is frequently labelled “sensitive” and feels exhausted or overwhelmed after interacting with others? Are you someone who picks up the ‘vibes’ from other people and becomes confused about distinguishing ‘your own’ feelings from other people’s feelings? If yes, then you might be suffering from ‘emotional absorption’. As the name suggests, emotional absorption is a maladaptive behaviour in which the person ‘absorbs’ the feelings of the other person to the extent that it starts hampering their quality of life. It happens automatically and someone’s mere company can change your mood. It is different from being empathetic, due to its negative impact on the person’s psyche.

People with an anxious attachment style, low self-esteem, or dependent personality disorder are more prone to developing emotional absorption. Those who identify as ‘Highly sensitive people’ also struggle with emotional absorption. The term ‘Highly sensitive people’ was coined by psychologists Elaine and Arthur Aron in the 1990s to describe people who are “extra sensitive to emotional, physical, and social stimuli.”

People who struggle with emotional absorption can manage their emotions by learning to set boundaries even if it means taking small steps like avoiding discussion on triggering topics. Meditation and learning grounding exercises are also helpful when one feels overwhelmed. Taking the time to process one’s emotions, be it via journaling, talking to a friend who can offer a neutral perspective on things, or seeking therapy can help one separate their feelings from those of others.

11 Signs of Emotional Absorption

1. You feel emotionally and mentally depleted after interacting with a large group of people. As a result, you avoid social gatherings or big crowds.
2. You are routinely described or labelled as “sensitive” by your loved ones.
3. You get easily triggered by violence, be it in media or real life. As a result, you avoid movies or shows that show violence.
4. You struggle with making and sticking to boundaries with people due to the fear of upsetting people.
5. You mirror the sentiments of those around you by instantly sensing their mood.
6. You find it hard to distance yourself from someone else’s negative emotions.
7. Often people who suffer from emotional absorption experience somatic symptoms such as breathing problems, stomach aches, or a tightening feeling in their throat. These symptoms match the symptoms of anxiety.
8. Arranging your physical space makes you feel more collected. An untidy space makes you agitated.
9. You have a robust inner world, you can easily fall into daydreaming
10. You struggle with multitasking.
11. You find it difficult to say ‘no’ due to the fear of offending the other person.