We’ve all heard the phrase “misery loves company.” Well, the latest scientific breakthroughs in cognition are showing that resilience is contagious.

Neuroscientists at The University of Lausanne in Switzerland (UNIL) have demonstrated that we possess the ability to become more resilient simply by observing others cope with their own adversity. This is a big deal, because it’s the first time that resilience has been documented and quantified in an experimental setting, which will allow us to fully understand and harness the power of this positive “emotional contagion.”

The research lab at UNIL set out to answer why some people respond to trauma with positive adapting strategies, while others succumb to “pathological traits” like depression post-incident. They suspected serotonin played a role as a “common denominator” between the two extremes, so experiments were set up using mice to test their hypothesis. (I know, my fellow animal lovers, I too have mixed/sad feelings about animal experiments, but they are pertinent for tests like this, at least with the scientific tools currently available.)

Until recently, it was a momentous feat to track fluctuations of serotonin in the brain in real-time. Thanks to a novel biosensor developed by Yulong Li of Peking University, who is also co-author of the study, they were now able to do exactly that. And their recordings showed that mice who were allowed to observe the unpleasant experiences of other mice were less likely to be overwhelmed by “pathological states of depression” when subsequently exposed to the same stressor. Not only that, they found the actual source of this “emotional contagion” within the brain itself – a tiny structure deep shared by all vertebrates called the habenula.

Image credit: Laboratory of Manuel Mameli, UNIL
“The neurotransmitter serotonin, released in a brain structure called the habenula, is the key molecule mediating resilience. This image shows neurons within the mouse habenula.”

Despite its demure stature, the habenula is a powerhouse. Like a conductor, it plays a major role in controlling all motor and cognitive behaviors, including emotional and sensory processing, and the regulation of major neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals are directly tied to how we feel, including our hunger levels and ability to feel satiated, the activation of our libido, and how we sleep. Dysfunctions with neurotransmitters are also associated with mental disorders like depression and schizophrenia.

When mice in the UNIL experiment were allowed to observe other mice under stress before being exposed to it themselves, there was a documented spike in serotonin from the habenula, along with lasting changes to the surrounding neurons. On the other hand, mice who were not allowed to observe did not experience the same positive emotional contagion, and were more likely to experience depression after their own discomfort exposure. This was also the case for mice who observed but whose serotonin levels were artificially altered, showing that a “non-increase [of serotonin at the time of exposure] not only undermines the long-lasting neuronal activity change in the habenula, but also the ability of mice to foster resilience following adversity.”

In other words, “the scientists concluded that the simple act of observing others cope with a traumatic experience increases one’s own capacity for resilience and helps guard against possible pathological consequences.”

This discovery could not only revolutionize treatment for conditions like depression and chronic pain – it means that sharing our experiences with each other, talking to one another, and fostering community for those of us living “on hard mode” is good for us! It makes us more resilient, and gives us a serotonin boost, which is good for pretty much every function within the body and mind, for managing pain and mood, and more! So let us bear witness, let us foster community, love, and support.

Because it feels good, it’s good for us, and because science said so.

Thanks for reading! I know this new information sure motivates me to continue fostering community however possible. How have these revelations affected your perspective?

Keep on truckin’…
– Renata