The Dark Side of 'Good Vibes Only': A Therapist's Take on Toxic Positivity
When a person practices toxic positivity, even unintentionally, it can kind of devalue the full range of the emotional experience, that human emotional experience.
Have you ever felt pressured to stay positive, even when things are falling apart? In this episode of 'Through a Therapist's Eyes,' hosts Kasie and Chris Gazdik tackle the often-overlooked issue of toxic positivity. They dive into how the 'good vibes only' mindset can actually harm your mental health and relationships. Kasie breaks down what toxic positivity looks like, from brushing off negative emotions to forcing a smile in tough times.
Chris adds his insights on why it's crucial to acknowledge and validate all emotions, not just the happy ones. Together, they explore the balance between maintaining a positive outlook and being realistic about life's challenges. They also discuss how toxic positivity can seep into parenting, affecting how children learn to deal with their own emotions.
By the end of the episode, you'll have practical tips on how to avoid the pitfalls of toxic positivity and foster a healthier emotional environment for yourself and those around you. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of why it's okay not to be okay sometimes.