Toxic Positivity – the need to be happy.
Toxic optimism is defined as not allowing bad sentiments to take root, but rather dismissing them with a smile. Why this obsessive happiness may make us ill, and how does the media influences our own feeling of happiness.
In what ways does Toxic Positivity manifest itself?
Are you relieved that you’ve been fired and believe it’s the finest thing that could have happened to you? Are you of the idea that troubles should only be seen as challenges that will help you reach greater success in the future?
At first look, people seem to find this way of thinking appealing. As a result, it seems that you are able to cope with disputes in your day-to-day life with ease. However, there is a phenomenon known as “toxic positivity” that may lurk behind this, causing people to feel compelled to perceive things in a good light and to be happy even when they are not really happy. Because, as is frequently the case, the dosage is what determines the effect.
CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) includes the use of optimism to assist individuals. Patients suffering from depression, for example, are instructed by psychotherapists to replace negative ideas with good ones to combat the condition. The ability to learn from and grow from painful situations comes from concentrating on the good.
Positive thinking, on the other hand, should not be the sole tool available to mentally healthy individuals in their daily activities. According to psychologists, suppressing unpleasant emotions may have negative effects on one’s mental health as well as one’s relationships with other people.
This is where we get our poisonous optimism from #goodvibesonly
There are 14,663,781 entries under the hashtag #goodvibesonly on Instagram at the time of this writing.
As an aside, there are also additional similar hashtags, such as #positivity and #positivegedanken. Smiling faces, a distinct way of life, or sensory expressions are all used to accentuate the good in their work..
There is no place for negative thinking here. It’s no surprise since research has shown that good material generates more likes, which in turn stimulate the reward region in the brain, resulting in emotions of contentment.
For some social media users, receiving positive acknowledgment is like taking a drug. In terms of you as a viewer, the issue is that you are often unable to refrain from forming comparisons when you are exposed to a constant stream of positive messages. You may also reach a stage where you begin to blame yourself for not being able to smile on a daily basis at some time.
Many different strategies may be found on the internet to help you develop a healthier mentality (inner attitude). The bottom line is often expressed as follows: “If you only strive hard enough, you can always find happiness.” Although this pressure does nothing to improve satisfaction, it may lead to the emergence of new issues.
In the case of induced optimism making you ill.
It is very natural for your state of mind to shift.. We are all capable of experiencing periods of sadness. It’s true that no one has the same feelings every single day.
According to what seems to be the case, this is precisely what has changed with Toxic Positivity: Followers of the phenomena give themselves a formula for happiness with every terrible vibration they experience.
It is possible that this will have an impact in the long run, due to the fact that
Those who practice toxic optimism are blind to their own emotions: Because you believe that your employer has been unfairly maligned, you are retaliating. It is quite natural for you to have feelings of sadness or anger as a result of this experience. Permission to experience these emotions is critical because they initiate change processes in your body and mind.”
This provides you with the chance to work through the criticism and to initiate a dialogue with your boss. You will have had a pleasant experience if you work together to find a solution and feel recognized for your efforts.
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It is possible to employ concrete emotions, such as worry or a “bad gut feeling,” to our advantage and to rescue ourselves from potentially harmful or unsatisfactory circumstances.
Essentially, every feeling has a rationale, regardless of whether it is pleasant or bad to the one who is experiencing it. Suppressing your emotions for an extended period of time might result in mental illness.
Relationships are hampered by toxic positivity. Shared emotions, both unpleasant and joyful, are what differentiates healthy partnerships from unhealthy ones. But if you consider that your gloomy disposition is not socially acceptable, you may choose to shun social interactions or play pranks on your friends and acquaintances.
Other people may find this to be not just tiring, but also tight and unnatural. For a lengthy period of time, you may feel alone as a result of this. You should be able to respond honestly to the inquiry “How are you?”.
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It’s a nice discussion opener to say something like “I’m not feeling well today,” which allows you to speak about the soul a little bit. Negative baggage does not accumulate indefinitely; instead, negative ideas are released.
Positive thinking that is harmful to our health and well-being causes self-doubt. For example, certain counselors and social media outlets encourage us to think positively and are content all of the time. When we are not smiling all of the time, the notion that something is wrong with us might develop in our heads.
Using this reasoning may lead to a lifetime of self-doubt and depression. The question “Everyone seems to be happy, except for me; what am I doing wrong?” is continually buzzing around in your thoughts when the perfect Instagram photos with joyful smiles arrive at the right time.
At exactly this time, poisonous optimism has the potential to skew perception, cause tension, and make you really miserable.
Three suggestions for escaping the “feel-good” trap
It’s important to remember that Toxic positivity is promoted through inducing positive vibes and slowing down one’s own genuine sentiments. However, if you cope with your own emotional world and allow for negative ideas, you will be able to take advantage of genuine optimism when it arises. The first step is to break out from the feel-good trap, which is accomplished in the following ways:
Make a list of all of the people you follow on social media and keep it up to date.
Toxic positivism leads to a restrictive attitude that is bound to unattainable ideals of performance. Through the use of social media, these unreasonable expectations may be brought to reality as well. Particularly if you want to follow accounts that overwhelm you with happy sensations while keeping the sad elements of life hidden.
It is important to evaluate if your membership contributes to your well-being or rather causes you to doubt your abilities. Making a note of it in your calendar is the best option. The impact the contributions had on you may be reviewed after roughly 14 days.
Did they make you more inspired to improve your own lifestyle, or more discouraged by your own efforts to do so? Always keep in mind that the photographs and postings are only snapshots of a moment in history. However, it is unclear how the person behind it really feels.
If you routinely engage in what is known as a “Digital Detox” (a deliberate renunciation of media), you will build distance from your surroundings.
All sentiments must be allowed.
Having a terrible mood but expressing it openly with ecstatic enthusiasm that you are in a fantastic mood might be a sign of internal estrangement. Reestablish a connection with your inner self through practicing mindfulness. That you acknowledge and accept your emotions and that you take them seriously is another need.
This increases your chances of experiencing genuine happiness. Interested in learning to sense within yourself and improving your perception? If so, this course is for you. The practices of meditation and mindfulness training may be beneficial in this situation.
3) Set a good example for others to follow
Individuals who demonstrate that life has various dimensions and not just pleasant times are required.. As a result, set an example for others to follow. When you’re having negative thoughts, put your trust in your life partner or pals and be honest with yourself. Other individuals should be made aware that you are in a poor mood and should provide assistance.
