Toxic positivity is a belief that people should keep a positive mindset despite how severe their troubles are. It encourages people to ignore their bad feelings. Imagine something really bad happens to you and a friend of yours comes and says: “Everything bad happens for a reason.”
When you are feeling really sad about something, some people come and say: “Just be positive. Everything will be alright. Look at the bright side.” They say such things rather than helping you.
Such opinions are supposed to be sympathetic, but they don’t get lead to the desired result. Intentionally or unintentionally, people don’t really know how these opinions affect other people. These statements just shut the other person up. They are way to neglect or avoid the other’s discomfort.
Think when you express frustration and sadness, and someone informs you that, “Happiness is just a choice.” It implies that if you’re experiencing negative feelings, it’s your choice… Maybe you’re choosing not to be happy!
Why Is Toxic Positivity Harmful?
Toxic positivity denies people from seeking the authentic help they need to deal with what they’re facing. It can really damage people.
When sharing their feelings and what they’re going through, it makes them feel like their feelings are ignored and dismissed. Sometimes, they feel ashamed of what they are feeling.
Toxic positivity informs people that their thoughts are wrong. It causes guilt and tells them that they’re unable to find a method to stay positive. It is an avoiding mechanism which allows people to avoid emotional situations they are uncomfortable with.
It denies people from facing the challenging feelings, which may eventually lead to them evolving and developing as a person.
Indications Of Toxic Positivity
Feeling wrong about being sad;
Hiding your real emotions behind motivational quotes, to look more socially appreciable;
Disguising how you’re really feeling;
Minimising emotions that prove to be uncomfortable.
How To Avoid Toxic Positivity?
- Manage your feelings, but never ignore them.
- Talking with trusted people about emotions and negative feelings.
- Seeking support from non-judgmental professionals like a therapist.