Can the negativity that someone else chooses to exert impact others around them? Of course it can, and for this reason the topic of whether or not depression might be contagious has been considered frequently.
But having a temporary bad mood for the day is different from clinical depression and for that reason it's believed that the answer on whether or not depression is contagious, is no, depression is not contagious.
But perhaps your bad mood is.
There is a reason that motivational speakers get paid so much money to travel around and inspire people with their motivational talks and books, it's because their motivation and enthusiasm, positivity and problem-solving mode are contagious. They can easily infect others around them and people go to see those speakers for this reason, to get their batteries recharged.
To get motivated for the day and inspired to take on new projects and goals, to push forward with their own self improvement.
If listening to someone who inspires you can be that effective at motivating you, think about how much of an impact the opposite sort of commentary might have.
Fueling unreasonable negativity, even high blood pressure, sadness, anger, confusion, fear.
When you call your friend and they dump on you for an hour or two about the horrible day that they had, you might not be feeling so hot and optimistic after that.
"Emotional contagion" as it has been previously referred to, might not be real for everyone, as it could impact empaths more severely for example, but in general it's not surprising when someone's bad mood can bring the entire group down for the day, if exposed long enough.
When we have a choice to be inspired and motivated or to be manipulated into fear and anger, it's clear to see what might be more beneficial for our lives. What might help us to stay enjoying life, productive, and being a blessing to those who are around us. After all, what is the point of living if you are just going to live for yourself?.
Being able to spot the hate and negativity that you are being excessively exposed to, and distancing yourself from it, can help to make you healthier and happier at the end of the day.
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