Toxic positivity: What is it?
When you appear pleasant or upbeat even when you’re not feeling well, that is what is meant. When a person is going through a difficult time, we frequently hear people saying, “Simply cheer up” or “It will get better, don’t worry.”
Even while it’s beneficial for your mental health to have a positive attitude in life, this doesn’t always happen. Our range of emotions is pretty broad. Everybody feels and handles terrible feelings.
It is crucial to address and embrace these feelings honestly, despite the fact that they are unpleasant. As with anything, negativity in excess is harmful.
The positive energy that is toxic can cause you to lose your sense of self, drift away from reality, and even alienate your loved ones.
People have elevated the disregard of sentiments in general, rather than feeling safe talking about their human emotions and obtaining support.
People who are going through tough circumstances, in particular, might be harmed in several ways by toxic optimism.
Shaming:
The best kind of support one can get is from family, friends, and loved ones. However, when the support system doesn’t value or welcome your emotions with open arms, people begin to believe that their emotions and sentiments are inappropriate.
Guilt:
The guilt is only amplified by toxic positivism. It conveys the idea that it is the person’s responsibility if they cannot find a way to remain optimistic even in the midst of catastrophe.
Avoids displaying human emotion:
The avoidance strategy is fueled by toxic optimism. People acquire the ability to avoid painful emotional circumstances. They flee the issue rather than deal with it.
Growth is Affected By:
While it enables us to avoid emotions that can act as triggers, it also prevents us from being able to confront difficult emotions, which further inhibits progress.
Just listen to them out if you come across someone who is struggling, and stay away from using poisonous affirmations. “I understand,” or “I’m here for you,” are appropriate responses.