#toxic-positivity

#toxic-positivity

"Just stay positive." It's one of the most common pieces of advice offered when someone is struggling. In self-help books, corporate wellness programs, and even social media, positivity is promoted as the ultimate key to happiness and success. But while optimism has its place, the term positive mindset can be misleading. It implies that maintaining a cheerful outlook-sometimes reduced to simply smiling-is enough to overcome life's most difficult challenges.

Humans experience a whole range of emotions, all of the time, and that's OK.

Expressing occasional negativity isn't just normal- it can be healthy. Accepting negative emotions leads to greater psychological well-being and enhances workplace trust.

Gratitude can morph into toxic positivity and become a hindrance to personal autonomy and growth, stifling emotional authenticity and discouraging self-improvement.