The Toll of Toxic Positivity

If you've spent any amount of time on social media, you've likely experienced a seemingly endless supply of positivity. From hashtags espousing #goodvibesonly or #nobaddays to influencers telling you about all of the great things they're doing while smiling, it may seem like everyone has their lives figured out except for you.

This is the essence of toxic positivity, the belief that a positive mindset is all you need to surmount any obstacle. It's proponents claim that by casting out all negative emotions, you'll be able to float through life on a cloud (or something like that). The thing about this type of toxic positivity is that it's well-intentioned, but it can actually end up causing more problems than it solves. Let's look at how it works and how you can identify it and combat it when necessary.

What is toxic positivity?

It's the idea that an optimistic attitude is of the utmost importance in conquering all of life's obstacles. Whether it'