Say No to Toxic Positivity

Embrace emotional balance and resilience - say no to toxic positivity

Ever felt fed up with having to put a brave face on things. Tired of acting that you are ok? No energy to pretend that you are upbeat? Frustrated that actually you feel you can’t be authentic. Seems like nobody else ever has issues like you do?
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Maybe it’s because the world is full of fake positivity. Maybe it’s because, like you, everyone is ‘putting on a show’.  And just maybe, this veil and curtain of pretence is toxic?

Toxic positivity is the idea of always trying to stay positive, even in the face of negative or difficult situations. It involves the belief that it is always necessary to put on a happy face and suppress negative emotions, in order to maintain a positive outlook.

While it is certainly important to try to stay positive and maintain a healthy outlook on life, toxic positivity can actually be harmful. It can prevent individuals from acknowledging and dealing with difficult or unpleasant emotions, leading to a lack of emotional intelligence and an inability to cope with negative situations.

Toxic positivity can also lead to feelings of inadequacy or shame for those who are struggling to maintain a positive outlook. It can create an unrealistic expectation that it is always necessary to be happy and positive, which can be overwhelming and unattainable for many people.

It is important to recognise that it is normal and healthy to experience a range of emotions, including negative ones. It is okay to feel sad, angry, or frustrated, and it is important to allow ourselves to experience and process these emotions in a healthy way. Suppressing negative emotions can lead to a build-up of unresolved feelings, which can manifest in unhealthy ways such as anger outbursts or depression.

Instead of toxic positivity, it is important to strive for emotional balance and resilience. This involves acknowledging and accepting all of our emotions, and developing healthy ways of coping with negative situations. This can involve seeking support from friends and loved ones, practicing self-care, and seeking professional help when needed.

In short, it is important to recognise that it is okay to feel negative emotions and that it is healthy to process and cope with them in a healthy way. Rather than trying to suppress or ignore negative emotions, it is better to acknowledge and deal with them in a healthy manner.