Episode 25- The Dark Side of Positivity

Modern Witch Academy

1. what is toxic positivity- a mental state where we only show and experience positive emotions or reacting to others issues with just positivity. Set unreal expectations that we must be happy all the time.

When positivity is used to cover up our emotions instead of experiencing them we cause more internal issues!

Toxic positive is: Unhelpful

Can be Dangerous for one's mental health

Dismissive

Rude

Forces people to keep silent about their struggles.

Cause us to live in denial by not acknowledging emotions

1. Examples of Toxic Positivity- be grateful for what you have, look on the bright side, everything happens for a reason, good vibes only, just think positive, it could be worse, this too shall pass, happiness is a choice.

This is not helpful and encouraging, it is more invalidating of someone's feelings, possibly isolating, dismissive, and hurtful. Most people who say these things mean well and often don’t know how to confront and deal with their own painful emotions therefore masking them.

1. Signs of toxic positivity

1. Hiding your true feelings
2. Feeling guilty for feeling what you feel
3. Minimizing other people’s experiences positivity
4. Shaming others for expressing anothing other than being positive

1. What to Do Instead- Have compassion, give support, and validate feelings and emotions

Did you know that 1 in 4 people suffer from a mental illness.

Understand that emotions are not good or bad. They are tools to help us understand yourself more!

Use empathy by putting aside your own viewpoint and see things from the other person's perspective.

Validating affirmations

Instead of:

Just stay positive; say I know that can be hard to experience, I’m here for you if you need me.

If i can do it so can you; say I understand that everyone's abilities are different, if you need help, you can call on me!

It could be worse; I’m sorry this is something you're experiencing.

Create space for someone to speak their truth.
Accept balance

Accepting balance- allow yourself and others to feel what they are experiencing.

1. The power of positivity

There is power is being positive and in gratitude but it's important to have the awareness to know when it is beneficial and helpful as well as wanted.