JAKARTA – suksesmedia.id – In recent years, the concept of “toxic positivity” has emerged as a critique of the pervasive cultural trend of insisting on positivity no matter the circumstances. While staying positive can be beneficial, forcing a positive outlook in all situations can be detrimental to mental health and emotional well-being.
According to Graham Reynolds, PhD Psychologist from American Institute for Cognitive Therapy Toxic Positivity occurs when encouraging statements are expected to minimize or eliminate painful emotions, creating pressure to be unrealistically optimistic without considering the circumstances of the situation
Toxic positivity refers to the excessive and ineffective overgeneralization of a happy, optimistic state across all situations. The phrase “good vibes only” captures this mentality, suggesting that negative emotions or experiences are inherently bad and should be avoided at all costs. While the intent behind promoting positivity may be to uplift and encourage, it can have unintended consequences when it dismisses or invalidates genuine feelings of pain, grief, or distress.
The Harmful Effects of Toxic Positivity
Invalidation of Emotions
One of the primary issues with toxic positivity is that it invalidates people’s emotions. When someone expresses their struggles and receives responses like “Just stay positive” or “It could be worse,” their feelings are dismissed. This can lead to feelings of isolation and shame, as individuals may start to believe that their emotions are wrong or unwarranted. Recognizing and validating emotions is crucial for emotional health, and dismissing them can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and depression.
Suppression of Authenticity
Toxic positivity encourages the suppression of authentic emotions. People may feel pressured to hide their true feelings and put on a facade of happiness. This can lead to emotional repression, which is harmful in the long term. Suppressing negative emotions can prevent individuals from processing and coping with their experiences, potentially leading to increased stress, anxiety, and mental health issues.
Impediment to Personal Growth
Negative emotions, while uncomfortable, are a natural part of the human experience and essential for personal growth. Embracing and processing these emotions can lead to greater self-awareness and resilience. By avoiding negative feelings and focusing solely on positivity, individuals miss opportunities for growth and self-improvement. Personal development often requires facing and overcoming challenges, which is hindered by a toxic positivity mindset.
Strained Relationships
In interpersonal relationships, toxic positivity can create a barrier to genuine connection. When people feel that their negative emotions are unwelcome, they may withdraw and become less open with others. Authentic relationships are built on mutual understanding and empathy, which are undermined when one party feels compelled to hide their true feelings. Encouraging honest and open communication is essential for building strong and supportive relationships.
Balancing Positivity with Realism
While maintaining a positive outlook can be beneficial, it is important to balance positivity with realism. Accepting and acknowledging all emotions, both positive and negative, is crucial for mental and emotional health. Here are some strategies for fostering a more balanced approach:
Practice Emotional Validation
Instead of dismissing negative emotions, practice validating them. Acknowledge the person’s feelings and offer support. Phrases like “It’s okay to feel sad” or “I understand that you’re going through a tough time” can be much more supportive than insisting on positivity.
Encourage Open Communication
Promote an environment where people feel safe to express their true emotions. Encourage open and honest communication without judgment. This can help build trust and strengthen relationships.
Focus on Coping Strategies
Rather than promoting a blanket positive attitude, focus on teaching effective coping strategies. Encourage individuals to develop healthy ways to manage and process their emotions. This can include activities like journaling, talking to a therapist, or engaging in mindfulness practices.
Embrace the Full Spectrum of Emotions
Recognize that all emotions serve a purpose and contribute to the richness of the human experience. Embracing both positive and negative emotions can lead to greater emotional intelligence and resilience. By accepting the full spectrum of emotions, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences. Toxic positivity, despite its well-meaning intentions, can be harmful by invalidating emotions, suppressing authenticity, impeding personal growth, and straining relationships. A more balanced approach that acknowledges and validates all emotions is essential for mental and emotional well-being. By fostering open communication and encouraging effective coping strategies, we can create a more supportive environment that promotes genuine emotional health. (*)