Toxic waste

I have always said I am the eternal optimist. I try to look for the positives in every situation and like the song "always look on the bright side of life".. I have learned however, there is a time and place for positivity and a time and place for empathy  and understanding. 

As humans, we all hardwired to experience a wide range of emotions. Sometimes we feel happy, productive, and fulfilled, while other times we can feel sad, anxious, and depressed. It’s completely normal to experience a mix of emotions, and it’s important to acknowledge and accept that fact, despite a growing trend in today's society that I think does a lot more harm than good.

Toxic positivity... this is the idea that we should always maintain a positive outlook, regardless of the situation, and that anything less is unacceptable. While it is essential to focus on the good in our lives and practice gratitude, toxic positivity ignores the reality of people’s lives and circumstances. 

Life can be hard, and sometimes terrible things happen that are out of our control. Telling someone to just “stay positive” or “look on the bright side” when they are going through something is not only insensitive but also unhelpful. It reduces complex and challenging situations to simplistic solutions that do not exist.

Toxic positivity completely dismisses valid emotions that people may experience. The pressure to only be positive can make individuals feel ashamed for experiencing a range of emotions such as sadness, anger, and frustration. In some cases, people might feel guilty for experiencing negative emotions, which can further impact their mental health. It's important to validate and acknowledge people's feelings and experiences, rather than trying to dismiss or minimise them. Listening to what they have to say, empathising, offering support or understanding.

Acknowledging and accepting our emotions is an important step towards mental wellness. It’s okay to experience a mix of emotions, both positive and negative, and.it is perfectly natural to feel sad or anxious at times and recognition of this can only lead to a more honest and emotionally intelligent world.