What is it
What is the definition of toxic positivity?
Maintain a positive mindset no matter the severity of the issue
What does one person sometimes say to someone who is venting about a problem in their life?
"Just stay positive" or "look on the bright side"
What is a sign of toxic positivity?
Brushing off problems rather than facing them
How is downplaying another person's tough times harmful?
The person experiencing negative emotions may feel dismissed, ignored or invalidated
What is an upside to checking out and facing negative emotions?
It can provide important information about the issue and help lead you to solutions and perhaps beneficial changes in your life
What is a positive approach to life?
"Good vibes" only
What is a possible outcome of someone minimizing another person's situation?
The person may shut down anything else they want to share about what is going on with them
What is another sign of toxic positivity?
Feeling guilty about being sad, angry, or disappointed
What does toxic positivity tell a person struggling with their emotions?
That the emotions they are feeling are unacceptable
What are normal, negative emotions we sometimes feel and need to sort through?
Anger, worry, fear, jaded, irritable, depressed, sad, frustrated, confused
What are the downsides of stuffing away difficult emotions?
It can make things worse down the line because the root of the issue is not handled
What is are common phrases people sometimes say to another person after they have experience a loss?
"Everything happens for a reason" "They had a good life" "At least you got to spend a lot of time with them" "It was their time so it's okay"
What is yet another sign of toxic positivity?
Hiding or disguising how you really feel
What is a flaw of the toxic positivity mindset?
It avoids authentic, human emotions which are 100% natural
Do we sometimes feel mixed emotions or multiple emotions when we have a tough situation staring us in the face?
Yes - do not be so hard on yourself! Your emotions are as complex as the situation itself
What is a way of describing toxic positivity?
Taking positive thinking to an overgeneralized extreme
What does toxic positivity deny people that are having a tough time?
They are denied the authentic social support and empathy they need from others in order to cope and move past a situation.
What is an additional sign of toxic positivity?
Minimizing other people's feelings because you feel uncomfortable
What is a negative resultof toxic positivity?
Denies us the experience of facing challenging feelings that could lead to deeper insight into an issue and ultimately, personal growth
What is a possible first step to dealing with negative emotions when they hit?
Focus on self-care and/or doing things that help you express yourself in positive ways ie creative outlets
How does toxic positivity hurt people in the long run?
It minimizes the human element and the trace emotions that are not strictly happy or positive
What is the worst possible outcome of downplaying someone's negative emotional experience?
The person that is struggling may feel shamed and shut out others, which could lead to isolation and other depressive symptoms
What is also a sign of toxic positivity?
Shaming other people when they don't have a positive attitude
What can encouraging a person facing illness, loss, financial troubles, work stress, etc. to maintain a sunny outlook cause?
It can be perceived as downright cruel and may make them feel guilty or possibly lead to feel even more complex, negative emotions
What are examples of toxic statements that should rarely be used when speaking to someone that is confronting a difficult situation or has just gone through something challenging?
"Just stay positive! It could be worse! Good vibes only! Things happen for a reason! Failure is not an option! Happiness is a choice!"