Toxic Positivity can be defined as the idea that regardless of how bad or difficult a situation is, we should maintain a positive mindset. While being positive is beneficial, toxic positivity can affect you negatively as you may be suppressing or refusing to acknowledge difficult emotions. This attitude minimizes and denies any emotion that is not considered positive.
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Examples of Toxic Positivity
Saying things like “just stay positive” or “look on the bright side”. These comments are considered sympathetic but they can also be a way of shutting down emotions.
Often after someone experiences loss, we comfort ourselves with the saying “everything happens for a reason”. This statement can also be a way of avoiding your pain.
The abovementioned statements are often well intended, it can however also be harmful.
Signs that you practice toxic positivity
Brushing off problems rather than facing them.
Feeling guilty about being sad.
Masking your feelings.
Shaming others when they don’t have positive attitudes.
My take
The first time I heard about toxic positivity I was very surprised, and I immediately realized I am so guilty of this. I often suppress negative emotions with the saying “it could be worse” or “be grateful” because I feel like it's so easy to let my negative thoughts take over.
How to Avoid Toxic Positivity
Manage your emotions, don’t suppress them.
Be realistic instead of overly negative and overly positive.
Realize its okay to feel multiple emotions (like feeling grateful and like you deserve more at the same time).
Take note of how you truly feel.