Toxic Positivity
During our lowest point, we usually find positive comments or quotes to help us feel motivated and encourage us to keep going. Although, too much positivity is not a good thing. You’re probably thinking about how positive comments can be a bad thing? Isn’t it great to hear so much positivity? Well, not all the time, especially if what you’re doing or the people around you stays away from reality.
There’s what you call toxic positivity. According to Psychology, toxic positivity defines dismissing negative emotions and acknowledging distress with false optimism rather than empathy. Usually, people who are uncomfortable with negative emotions or don’t know what to say in serious situations do this. Either it’s intentional or not.
For example, your friend’s relative is very ill. They’re trying to open up to you about how scared and worried they are. It’s too hard for you to listen. So, you reassure them that everything will be okay. Shutting them down when they’re trying to share their emotions misrepresents you being approachable or fake. You can’t form a bond with people if you can’t sit down and listen to their grief and problems.
Toxic positivity doesn’t only affect others but yourself too. Maybe even more. Understandably, you don’t want to deal with any negative emotions. But, if you keep feeding yourself with false optimism, it can take a toll on your mental health.
Life isn’t full of sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes it’s bumpy and stormy. Be mindful of your situation and reflect on your emotions. Embrace and acknowledge those negative emotions. Express how you truly feel, don’t conceal it. Accepting both positive and negative emotions is a way for you to understand positivity.
