Toxic Positivity and its Damaging Effects

Toxic positivity, or the pressure to always maintain a positive attitude, can be harmful and invalidating. Platitudes like 'everything happens for a reason' or 'just stay positive' can chip away at our ability to express negative emotions. These messages of toxic positivity are often reinforced by societal pressures and media portrayals of constant happiness. However, research suggests that the constant pursuit of happiness can backfire, leading to greater dissatisfaction. Instead, embracing the concept of tragic optimism, which acknowledges the presence of negative emotions and finds meaning in tragedy, can provide a healthier approach.