Everyone has gone through some difficult times during their life and often people will tell you to focus on the good things and to not dwell on the bad things that are happening. However, depending on how this is said or how often, it can be considered as ‘toxic’ positivity.
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What is toxic positivity?
Toxic positivity is ignoring negative emotions and responding to distress with false reassurances rather than empathy.
You can either be subjected to toxic positivity, which is where people tell you to not acknowledge your sad emotions and will often say things like
- Things could be worse
- Don’t be sad
- Everything will be alright
- Stay positive
You can also be the person spreading toxic positivity, which is when you always want those around you to be happy or you tell yourself that you shouldn’t be sad and you constantly dismiss your feelings.
Read more:
⋙ Mental health: 5 ways to practice self-love
⋙ Why are people still too scared to take mental health days?
⋙ 5 tips to help you cut off toxic people from your life
What are the signs of toxic positivity?
Counsellor Bobbi Banks, a UK-based therapist, coach and neuroscientist, shared an infographic on her Instagram page highlighting 7 toxic positivity signs to look out for.
There is a thin line between toxic positivity and acknowledging your sad feelings by choosing to focus on the positive. The key difference is that you don’t feel guilty or ashamed of your sad emotions
