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Toxic positivity refers to the excessive and often unrealistic focus on positive thinking while dismissing or invalidating negative emotions. Despite the good intentions of people who usually exhibit it, toxic positivity can have adverse consequences on the mental health of individuals.

Toxic positivity stems from societal pressures to maintain a face of happiness and optimism at all times. It promotes the idea that one should always look on the bright side and avoid acknowledging or expressing negative emotions. While positivity can be beneficial in moderation, toxic positivity takes it to an extreme, disregarding the importance of processing and accepting all emotions, both positive and negative.

Suppressing genuine feelings

Individuals told to "stay positive" and forget about their negative emotions may feel pressured to suppress genuine feelings of sadness, anger, or frustration. Suppression can cause these emotions to manifest in unhealthy ways, such as increased stress, anxiety, or even depression. By invalidating negative emotions, toxic positivity prevents individuals from addressing the root causes of their distress, creating a cycle of emotional avoidance.

This behavior undermines authenticity and promotes a false sense of happiness and well-being. It creates unrealistic expectations for individuals to constantly project positivity, regardless of their internal struggles. This pressure to conform to an idealized image of happiness can decrease self-esteem and make feelings of inadequacy worse.

Impact on relationships

Toxic positivity can hinder genuine connection and support within relationships. When individuals are met with dismissive responses such as "just think positive" or "everything happens for a reason," it could invalidate their emotional response to their experiences, leading to feelings of isolation and alienation. Instead of offering meaningful support, toxic positivity prevents authentic emotional bonds from forming.

How to embrace emotional authenticity

In contrast to toxic positivity, embracing emotional authenticity involves acknowledging and accepting a full range of emotions, both positive and negative. By allowing oneself to experience and express all emotions without judgment, individuals can cultivate resilience and genuine well-being. Rather than striving for constant positivity, fostering emotional authenticity enables individuals to navigate life's challenges with greater self-awareness and compassion towards themselves and others.