DALLAS — Thousands of people will descend on North Texas to capture a glimpse of the total solar eclipse on April 8.
The excitement for the moment is obvious and that has a lot of people traveling and making plans for watch parties. But there are some understated effects that the eclipse may be having on people as well.
"We search for that sense of connection, belonging, and acceptance," said Carolina Pena, a mental health counselor with Parkland Hospital in Dallas.
Pena is talking about the concept of Collective Effervescence. According to The Core Collaborative collective effervescence "is the feeling of energy and harmony when people are engaged in a shared purpose." It is the euphoric feeling that comes from an event or ritual which reinforces social bonding and solidarity.
Deonte Mattison stopped by Trinity Overlook Park in Dallas on Monday with his family to scout areas to watch the eclipse. This is a moment he and thousands of Texans have been waiting for. Collective Effervescence is the energy and harmony derived from the shared eclipse experience.
"[It's about] feeling supported, not feeling lonely, and feeling that you belong," said Pena.
"It's something you can experience with your kids...how do you not look forward to it?" said Mattison. "It's about the pursuit of happiness. We're all looking for it and we're all searching for it," he said.
Carolina says it is similar to the feeling many North Texans had when the Texas Rangers won the World Series.
Carolina says people are wired to be social and our physical health is connected to our mental health. And while the eclipse can be a sense of anxiety for some it can also be the social trigger that creates positive social momentum.
"People who live longer are those who have a support system," said Pena.
Pena tells WFAA that people should remember to practice mindfulness and stay in the moment during the eclipse.