Allyson Chiu: Time to ditch ‘toxic positivity,’ experts say: ‘It’s okay not to be okay’
Selected Excerpts
“While cultivating a positive mind-set is a powerful coping mechanism, toxic positivity stems from the idea that the best or only way to cope with a bad situation is to put a positive spin on it and not dwell on the negative”
“It’s okay to have a positive and optimistic outlook and feel sad at the same time,” she said. “We can feel sad and be grieving and still look forward to the future. Both of those are necessary for a healthy outlook and sense of well-being.”
Discussion Questions
Have you ever experienced toxic positivity? How did you navigate the situation?
What skills do you find helpful for holding “conflicting” emotions like sadness and positivity at the same time?
What are you looking forward to in the next 12 months?
Reflections from #MedHumChat
“I lost a very close friend when I was in high school to suicide. My grieving process was prolonged, I think, bc of the “Don’t cry, he’s in a better place!” & “Be happy u knew him” comments that came from a few. It took me awhile to work through this in therapy.” —@natashaabadilla
“I've struggled with this concept [of toxic positivity] as someone who has been involved in mental health/wellness initiatives. I worried I was inadvertently practicing toxic positivity. But this article really helped me distinguish this from being a generally upbeat person” —@therhealmvp
“In times of grief, [toxic positivity is] often frustrating, shuts me down, and generally speaking, I tend to turn to nature instead because at least I won’t be cheerfully accosted by a tree.”
About this #MedHumChat
“Time to ditch ‘toxic positivity,’ experts say: ‘It’s okay not to be okay’” was paired with No Time Like The Future: A Optimist Considers Mortality by Michael J. Fox for a MedHumChat on July 7, 2021 discussing The Power and Pitfalls of Optimism.
This chat and its accompanying discussion questions were curated by Matthew Tyler (@PalliDad).
About the Author
Allyson Chiu is a reporter for the Washington Post who focuses on wellness.