While being positive is a great trait to have, only relying on it in situations where you need to express your negative feelings can lead to your detriment. It might appear rather innocuous, but taking it too literally might result to toxic positivity.
Nobody is saying that you can’t have a positive outlook on unfortunate incidences. However, refusing to face the less-than-ideal aspects of life, can bring more harm than good to not only the people you are surrounded with, but to yourself as well.
When someone is too optimistic, they may be utilising it as a type of escapism. This simply implies that instead of addressing the challenges they are facing, they deceive their minds into believing that being optimistic would solve their problems.
Here are some prominent indicators that you’re dealing with toxic positivity:
Keeping your emotions hidden
Some people hide their emotions in order to avoid reality. This will just prolong and exacerbate the issue. They believe that if they stay optimistic, their issues will go away. This isn’t the same as a scar from breakouts.
Imposing others to be positive instead of comforting them
Have you ever been irritated after expressing your concerns and being told, “You simply need to be optimistic,” by someone you confide in? This is really harmful since one must first accept and then analyse their feelings.
Now that you’re aware of the warning signs of toxic positivity, here are some advice on how to cleanse those toxic positivity vibes and realise that optimism isn’t always the best alternative.
Abstain From Using Toxic Positive Phrases
Words have meaning, and it’s crucial to be conscious of the phrases you utter in difficult situations. Acknowledging unpleasant events is a necessary part of life. They are unavoidable and necessary for progress. It’s ideal to just let your thoughts and emotions flow rather than manipulating your mind into accepting reality as they are.
Here are some useful phrases we found on the web that you may use to detox from toxic posi tivity:
It’s Completely Okay To Not Be Okay All The Time
Encourage yourself to be a bit uneasy rather than succumbing to toxic positivity because it’s convenient at the moment. Being a balanced and healthy human simply entails becoming more conscious of ourselves and how we perceive our life’s events and experiences. Rather than an all-or-nothing mentality, try for moderation and accepting of both good and terrible feelings instead of toxic positivity.
As corny as it may seem, there has to be something positive that comes out of every negative incident that occurs. It may not happen overnight, but it shouldn’t stop you from hoping for a silver lining.
If you are ever in need of help, please contact the following organisations:
Befrienders KL: 03- 7956 8145
Sisters in Islam: 011- 2370 1006 (Hotline/Whatsapp)
Women’s Aid Organisation: 03- 7956 3488
Sneham Malaysia: Emotional Support and Awareness For Suicide Prevention
1-800-22-5757
Women Centre For Change:
Penang- 011- 310 84001, 016- 428 7265
Sebarang Perai- 016- 439 0698, 016-4180 342
Whatsapp- 016- 4480 342
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