The Psychology of your 20s 211. The problem with 'toxic' positivity
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Jul 9, 2024 The discussion centers on the pitfalls of toxic positivity and its impact on mental health. Listeners learn why always striving for a positive outlook can be harmful. The episode highlights the importance of recognizing both positive and negative emotions for true well-being. It emphasizes that accepting negative feelings can lead to greater happiness. Practical strategies for emotional acceptance are shared, urging people to embrace their authentic emotions for deeper connections.
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Toxic Positivity Defined
- Toxic positivity, or unrealistic optimism, is the belief that positive thinking fixes everything.
- This mindset harms mental health and emotional intelligence by suppressing negative emotions.
Examples of Toxic Positivity
- After a breakup, people might say, "There's someone better out there."
- Job loss leads to, "You could have it worse; some people don't even have a job."
Gratitude List After Loss
- A co-worker grieving her mother's death was advised by a therapist to make a gratitude list.
- This highlights how toxic positivity dismisses genuine grief.