[Melaniedawn]

I have this thing that bothers me a lot and I'm not sure if it's serious or not. I call it an Echo. Well, I call myself an echo, more accurately. That's the only thing I can think to call it. I have this problem with copying people. I don't notice when I do it, but eventually I realize that I copied it from someone else.
Example: I've sung my whole lives, and of course I've had stage fright, but I've never had a problem with shaking until after I saw my grandmother sing when I was around 10 and ever since Then, I shake really bad when i sing now. I can't control it.
I also saw my mom take apart her Arby's sandwich and reput it together and now I can't eat at Arby's without taking my sandwich apart. Same happens because I saw my cousin eat her burger upside down and now I do it to. Again, I barely notice that I do it.
In middle school, my friend cut herself and I began doing it as well. I eventually convinced myself that I did it because I was depressed, but I realize now that that's not true.
And today, my boyfriend told me he was depressed and all day I've felt sad and kept asking myself, am I depressed too?
Anyway, I've noticed many other things I've copied and I cAnt stop myself from doing it. Is this a mental disorder?
Thanks.

[Dern]

Welcome, Melaniedawn. A psychological assessment may be useful.

What is Psychological Assessment? | Psych Central
Understanding psychological testing and assessment

This might stem from an anxiety issue. Of course an assessment or professional would ultimately make a diagnosis.

But it sounds to me as though you might be seeking approval in your own behaviour. Modelling it after what yous see would suggest you question your own behaviour. I think to some degree this is normal. We all do it in some way or another; however, it is the extent to which you do this that your are right to question.

If it makes you feel better, I am constantly observing people and how they do things and on occasion have picked up and altered my own habits accordingly (how I walk, modes of some dress, and yes I even eat my burgers upside down). In my case I have the unhealthy thought that I am being observed myself.

[Thunder Bow]

You are seeing your own depression in others. As far as being a copy cat, we all do that to some degree.

I had to google this one and I came up with 'mirroring'.

It's part of a few personality disorders and other physical/mental conditions.

I also found an article on Echopraxia which is the involuntary copying of other people's actions- which is also symptoms of other conditions.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echopraxia

If this behavior is negatively affecting your quality of living, I'd consult a GP or a mental health provider. I wouldn't be alarmed if it isn't life altering...it's just a thing. The article is quite blunt and don't self diagnose yourself. It's just a possibility.

I hope this helps.

[Tauren]

Could be a few things. You would need to talk to a psychiatrist.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror_neuron
OCD

[PennyD]

I think everyone does this to some extent. I know I emulate the people I surround myself with, probably because I want to be accepted by them. Don't worry yourself too much over it, unless you're really excessively doing it.

With all this copyright nonsense going on always, it kind of makes copying people feel wrong. It isn't, everything that is created is inspired by something -- to an extent copied from something else that exists.