They mean well, but it can be hurtful.
When someone advises you to stay positive, they’re most likely not trying to diminish your feelings.
Maybe unyielding optimism is what gets them through the day.
And, as the name suggests, it can be dangerous.
Essentially, these statements deny your emotions by diverting your focus elsewhere.
Toxic positivity often contributes to the categorization of emotions as simply either good or bad.
You might even find yourself brushing off serious emotionally-triggering events like losing a job or a family member.
or “What do I need to give myself compassion on?”
Once you knowwhatyou’re feeling, you could find healthy ways to cope.
If you have a hard time differentiating your feelings, you could tryjournalingto put your thoughts to paper.
Don’t look to social media for comfort either.
It’s full of uplifting quotes, stories, and messages that inadvertently contribute to toxic positivity.
