04/04/2022
Toxic positivity is a word I feel gets tossed around as a “trendy topic” too often. Yes, it can be seen all over tik tok, Instagram, and even parenting posts discussing (and sometimes attacking) the concept from different angles. But just because it has gained interest recently does not necessarily negate the truth behind what it means.
In a Washington Post article on the topic, Natalie Dattilo, a clinical health psychologist compared toxic positivity to ice cream. Some ice cream is great, but have too much and you will feel sick. Positivity has a time and place. However, most people struggling with mental health are not necessarily at this time or place where it can be helpful. Those struggling can feel like their concerns are not important or being heard when these concerns are brushed aside by phrases like “everything will be fine” or “it could be worse.”
This is where empathy comes in. When a loved one comes to you talking about a struggle in their life, I would encourage you to listen and show support rather than trying to fix the issue at hand or minimizing.
Let me know in the comments below how toxic positivity has showed itself in your life.
