Toxic Positivity: The Dark Side of Positivity

Have you been in a situation wherein you are going through a bad breakup or lost your job, and your friends  tell you something like this – ‘stay strong’, ‘move on with your life happily’, ‘keep up with the bad days', etc.  This is toxic positivity.

Examples of Toxic Positivity

“Just be grateful for what you have, there are others who are suffering more than you.” “Try to focus only on the brighter side of things.”

“Thankfully! You survived this bad phase. Now just chill. Things could have been worse.” “You need to remain cheerful in times of failure. It makes you strong.”

Helpful Ways to Avoid Toxic Positivity

Journaling

Express emotions

Support groups

Yoga

Meditation

Set Social media boundaries