Can Spreading Toxic Positivity Do More Harm Than Good?

What is toxic positivity? When you are depressed and someone tells you to “stay positive,” it can lead to you feeling misunderstood and it can lead to shame and guilt. While it’s important to spread a positive message, psychiatrist Dr. Domenick Sportelli shares that you don’t want to isolate or invalidate someone’s feelings.

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[sicarii_Tactica]

The core misunderstanding is that those with a victim mentality often misinterpret positivity as invalidation. They feel like their negative emotions aren't being acknowledged, but the truth is, they've already validated those emotions by experiencing them.
The terms "invalidating" and "dismissing" have become buzzwords used to fuel this victimhood narrative. They create a false dichotomy where any attempt to offer support or a different perspective is seen as an attack on their feelings.
Here's the reality: positivity isn't toxic. It's a tool that can help people move through difficult emotions, not avoid them. Feeling your negative emotions is essential, but dwelling in them indefinitely isn't healthy.
What's next? After allowing yourself to feel the full spectrum of emotions, it's time to explore solutions, seek support, and find ways to move forward. Staying trapped in negativity only perpetuates suffering.
The idea that being positive is toxic is a harmful misconception. It discourages people from seeking help or offering support, creating an environment where negativity thrives. We need to challenge this narrative and recognize the power of positivity in overcoming adversity.

[janellemccoy]

I've thought this for a while actually. But some people are able to be positive even during negative times. Looking on the bright side isn't a bad thing.

[specturmguard]

Awesome studio background👌Toxic positive without accurate thinking and tangible strategy on risk control is a setup in our mind matrix, the hypnotic rhythm, which leads our possible eventual failure in life cycle. It is so obvious by looking at those top successful people with amazing rise and tragic fall.

[kimsmith]

Yup, it makes us feel to sensitive or even stupid for feeling the way that we do