We live in a society that often emphasizes the importance of being positive and happy all the time. While there is nothing inherently wrong with striving for positivity, the concept of toxic positivity has emerged in recent years as a potential downside to this cultural emphasis.
Toxic positivity refers to the belief that we should always remain positive, no matter what is happening in our lives. It involves ignoring negative emotions and focusing solely on the positive. This can be problematic, as it can lead to people feeling as though their negative emotions are invalid or that they should be able to just "get over it."
For those who have experienced significant challenges in their lives, such as loss, trauma, or a significant change like redundancy, toxic positivity can be particularly damaging. Being told to simply "look on the bright side" can feel dismissive of the very real and valid emotions someone is experiencing.
In fact, research has shown that ignoring negative emotions can actually make them worse in the long run. It is important to acknowledge and process negative emotions in order to move through them and come out on the other side.
So how can we balance positivity with emotional authenticity?
Here are some tips:
Acknowledge negative emotions: Rather than trying to push negative emotions aside, acknowledge them for what they are. Labeling emotions can help us better understand and process them.
Validate emotions: It is important to validate your own emotions and the emotions of others. Let yourself feel your emotions without judgment or shame, and offer the same level of empathy to others.
Practice self-compassion: Remember that it is okay to not always be okay. Be kind to yourself and give yourself permission to feel and process your emotions.
Focus on resilience: Instead of solely focusing on positivity, focus on building resilience. This means acknowledging challenges and difficulties but also recognising the ways in which you have overcome them in the past and can do so again in the future.
Seek support: It is okay to ask for help and support during difficult times. Reach out to friends, family, or a professional if you need additional support.
While positivity is an admirable goal, toxic positivity can be damaging. It is important to acknowledge and validate negative emotions, practice self-compassion, and focus on resilience. By balancing positivity with emotional authenticity, we can better navigate life's challenges and come out stronger on the other side.