Positive Thinking or Toxic Positivity
Where is the line?
We are all guilty of thinking negatively, ruminating on the worst-case scenario, or picking out the one thing we didn’t like. To pick up the pieces, you can always fall back on positive thinking. It’s a real mindset shift that is so helpful in creating inner peace. I’ve personally seen amazing results by shifting my mindset! But, when does positive thinking go too far?
You may be thinking to yourself, can positive thinking go too far?? How is that possible?! Positivity becomes toxic when it begins dismissing negative emotions. I am a believer in feeling every emotion fully, no matter how positive or negative. Each is valid. By dismissing negative emotions, all you do is cause turmoil. It’s a dysfunctional approach to regulating your emotions.
Signs of Toxic Positivity
It may be difficult to pick out when someone is being genuinely positive or using toxic positivity. Especially when gaslighting is inadvertently involved. Here are some signs of toxic positivity:
- Hiding or dismissing painful emotions
- Using “positive” quotes in response to inherently negative situations
- Ignoring problems
- Experiencing guilt for feeling negative emotions
