When we connect and identify with the collective mind, then we suffer with the collective.
Of course, like anything in life, it is a choice to do it, but when we are within our own thoughts and not conscious, then it is easy to connect and identify with the collective mind. We become it as we have already with our own mind.
Our pain bodies thrive on drama, judgement, and negativity and therefore, when we are within our own suffering, there is a perverse comfort in connecting, identifying and become the collective drama. It feeds itself and we are drag along by the wave of all suffering.
The insanity of the human mind to actually connect and take on collective suffering too.
Philip Dodson 