Having a positive outlook on life can be a healthy thing to help you get through hard times. However, positivity can also be toxic, if it is false and you are repressing your real emotions. And it can harm your mental and emotional state.
We believe that positive vibes are good, but in moderation. Therefore, we would like to say when they can actually do more harm than good.
Social Media Is One Of The Main Sources Of The Problem
On social media, people like to look perfect and share only one side of their life most of the time. Your worries, struggles, and difficult feelings often do not appear and remain hidden in your real life.
They can also be seemingly harmless motivational posts or something as simple as “Only positive vibes!” or “Don’t worry, be happy!”
You Start To Hide Your Emotions, And That Can Be Harmful
When you see posts that show only happy people who are always excited about their lives, even if that’s not how they really feel, you may feel pressured to look the same.
So you put on a mask and try to make it seem like everything is going well in your life, and that you are not emotionally affected by the difficulties you have been through.
And if you don’t, you may even start to feel ashamed of feeling sad, anxious, unmotivated, or distressed.
You look at all these positive people and you see your joy as a sign of power, and you feel weak if you allow yourself to feel “negative” emotions. So you hide them and tries not to think about them.
It is understandable to think that something like this will help improve the situation, but in reality, it only makes things worse.
Hiding your real emotions and not dealing with your problems can lead to more stress, anxiety, and depression.
Sometimes People Mean Well But End Up Hurting Us Instead
Our friends and family want to help and encourage us, but it can be difficult to find the right words.
Then they can say what others often say, such as “Stay positive!” or “It could be worse” and become another source of toxic positivity in your life.
Instead, what they might say, which would sound really helpful and understanding, are things like, “I see you’re really stressed, is there anything I can do?” or “I’m sorry you’re going through this.”
The important thing is not to minimize someone’s suffering or invalidate their emotions, but to let them feel everything they feel, even if it is difficult, and support them.
Remember That Feelings Don’t Have To Be Mutually Exclusive
You may feel pressure to only feel positive emotions. And if you don’t, you may think that your only option is to simply feel pain, stress, or whatever else is deemed negative.
However, you can experience positive and negative feelings at the same time.
For example, if you have lost your job, you are understandably frustrated and anxious about whether or not you will be able to find a new job.
And you can find toxic positivity if everyone around you says things like “At least you have your family and good health” or “Everything happens for a reason.” Now you have many new opportunities! “
And feeling one way or another about what is going on can be overwhelming. But it is possible to balance yourself and feel frustrated with what happened and excited about the future at the same time.
Have you ever felt pressured to stay positive, no matter what? Is it because of social media or does someone you know personally make you feel that way? How do you deal with it?
