Did you know that there is such a thing as “toxic positivity” and you probably face it every day? In the age of social media, we’re constantly looking at posts of friends and family enjoying life to the fullest. While it’s important to have a healthy perspective, it’s just as important to feel your emotions – even when they’re unpleasant.
Let’s learn more about what the term “toxic positivity” means and some healthier approaches to dealing with more difficult situations.
What is Toxic Positivity?
Toxic positivity is the assumption that a person should be positive and upbeat all the time, as well as reject things that cause negative emotions. Toxic positivity can take on many forms, such as a family member who puts you down for being upset or friends on social media telling you to “look on the bright side”.
In theory, staying positive is a good way to live our lives. We all have things to be grateful for and it’s best not to dwell on the things we can’t change. At the same time, we are still human and experience a wide range of emotions. Despite what the toxic positivity mindset tells us, negative emotions aren’t “bad”.
If you don’t allow yourself to feel these emotions, they’ll stay in your body and become bigger and more problematic. This is the problem with toxic positivity. We can’t program ourselves to be happy all the time, so trying to do so will only make us less happy.
Signs of Toxic Positivity
You can probably already tell if toxic positivity is a problem for you, but here are some signs to be aware of:
- Hiding your true feelings
- Dismissing your emotions
- Feeling guilty for how you feel
- Minimizing your experiences
- Brushing things off – “It is what it is”
How is Toxic Positivity Bad?
Toxic positivity is bad for your mental, emotional and social health. If you feel that you must keep quiet about your struggles, it can lead to suppressed emotions, shame, social isolation and relationship problems.
Bottom line: It’s OK to not be OK. Feeling all of your emotions allows you to stay grounded and present in the moment. After all, anxiety is a normal response to an abnormal situation. It’s a part of being human, and it’s these shared experiences that bring us closer together.
Tips for Dealing with Toxic Positivity
Below are some helpful ways to deal with toxic positivity in your life.
- Avoid ignoring your feelings. Instead, talk or write about how you feel. Let your emotions out.
- Listen to others. Validate how they feel, even if it’s different from how you feel. No one should be shamed for their emotions.
- Remember, you can have two feelings at once. For example, if you lose your job, you can feel sad about the loss but also happy to start fresh.
- Be realistic. Take small, actionable steps that will make you feel better.
- Limit time on social media. People tend to put their best foot forward on social media, which can make you feel worse about your circumstances.
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If you’re struggling to deal with your emotions and you’re not sure why, contact Jack Rourke for an insightful psychic reading. Psychic readings aren’t just for looking into the future – they’re about seeing opportunities and helping you understand your greater purpose in life!
