Have you ever felt frustrated by someone around you who only wants positive energy all the time? If Instagram memes and bloggers who talk endlessly about "good vibes" or "happiness" were not enough, as if it were so simple, today's society inadvertently makes you feel guilty. Of course being positive is a good thing, but there is a difference between optimism and denial of reality and crossing this line is an added problem. Despite the fact that the toxic positivity of some people is well-intentioned, experts say that care should be taken, because when the measure is passed, excessive positivity does harm.
What is toxic positivity?
Denial of negative feelings, a kind of forced positive behavior that tries to reject any kind of positive feeling. According to researchers, telling someone to "rejoice" when they are in the midst of a sadness or problem is not helpful at all. This kind of rejection of the truth you face can become harmful as the person begins to detach from reality. Not only is this something that detaches you from true feelings and experiences, but there comes a time when you may find yourself hurt just because you have rejected information or the real situation to have a positive facade.
Consequences of toxic positivity
Despite this positive façade, anxiety is there, piled up and unleashed as the person refuses to accept and fight it, but simply “covers it up” with false positivity. Ignoring a problem, or denying it, does not mean that it was solved or disappeared altogether, on the contrary its consequences become even more apparent over time.
What causes this positivity?
Unfortunately, the global pandemic has forced people to get involved and embrace this kind of positivity. Everything that has happened has made people struggle with emotions like stress, fear or anxiety doing the opposite.
This is also a natural response of the brain, a tendency to believe that everything is going well, even when it is not.
How to fight toxicity positivity?
As a start you need to remember and admit to yourself that it is Ok not to feel good. Talk to friends, family and take a break from social media.
Burimi: Pop Sugar
