Signs of Toxic Positivity Handout

What is toxic positivity?

Positivity has recently become a common response, often seen as the go-to solution or suggestion when someone seeks advice on handling negative emotions. Embracing a positive mindset is encouraged, not only in real life but also across social media, where motivational and inspirational quotes urge people to adopt positive vibes and attitudes to dispel negative thoughts.

However, healthy positivity recognizes both negative and positive emotion without dismissing difficult feelings. When optimism becomes excessive, it can lead to toxic positivity, which may be unhelpful for some individuals.

Toxic positivity arises when people are pressured to downplay or dismiss painful emotions in favor of unrealistic optimism. This expectation can turn positive thinking into a demand and can involve rejecting negative emotions and disregarding the complexities of the situation (Reynolds, 2022). It usually stems from societal pressure to always appear happy and optimistic, which can make people feel like they have to hide their own feelings or true emotions. However, this can lead to problems like feeling disconnected from others and struggling to cope with negative feelings, which may make mental health issues worse.

Examples of toxic positivity signs

As a mental health professional, you can assist clients in recognizing and managing toxic positivity by offering them resources like our handout. Here are some signs that you can advise clients to look out for in themselves and others to find a way to manage toxic positivity:

1. Minimizing feelings

When someone dismisses another person's feelings by saying things like, "It could be worse," they are minimizing their experience. This can make the person feel invalidated and alone in their struggles, as their emotions are not being acknowledged.

2. Forced cheerfulness

People who constantly put on a happy face, even when they feel sad or frustrated, exhibit forced cheerfulness. For instance, someone might say they are fine with a big smile when they are actually upset. Doing so can lead to inner conflict and feelings of inauthenticity.

3. Pressure to have a positive attitude

Statements like "Just think happy thoughts!" can create pressure to maintain a positive outlook, regardless of the situation. This pressure can prevent individuals from fully processing their emotions, which can increase stress.

4. Avoiding difficult conversations

Difficult conversations can be challenging, but they are often needed when approached with clear and respectful boundaries. Avoiding discussions about negative experiences or emotions in favor of lighter topics is a common sign of toxic positivity. For example, a friend might change the subject when someone tries to share their struggles. When this happens, it can be hard for that person to find support and understanding.

5. Shaming negative emotions

Shaming someone for feeling sad or angry, with phrases like "You shouldn't feel that way," can contribute to toxic positivity. This kind of shaming can lead individuals to feel guilty about their emotions. As a result, it may make them less likely to express themselves honestly.

6. Overemphasis on gratitude

While gratitude is important, pushing someone to focus solely on what they should be thankful for can overlook their pain. For instance, telling someone who just lost a job to "be grateful for what you have" can feel dismissive. Putting a positive spin on their circumstance can be unhelpful in that moment of emotional distress.

How to use our Signs of Toxic Positivity Handout template

Here’s a simple process to follow in order to use the Signs of Toxic Positivity Handout:

Step 1: Download the template

Start by downloading the Signs of Toxic Positivity Handout from the link in this guide. You can also find one in Carepatron’s templates library. If you don’t have an account yet, you can sign up. It’s free.

Step 2: Review the content

Read through the signs of toxic positivity and their explanations so you feel confident discussing them with your clients. Consider how these signs may apply to different client situations and prepare any additional examples you want to share.

Step 3: Share with clients

During your sessions, introduce the handout to your clients as a resource for understanding toxic positivity. Encourage them to read through it together, discussing any signs they recognize in themselves or their surroundings. Use this as a starting point for a deeper conversation about their feelings and experiences. Doing so can help them explore healthier emotional expressions.

How this handout benefits mental health professionals

The Signs of Toxic Positivity Handout is a valuable resource for mental health professionals. It is an easy-to-use educational tool that can enhance your practice in several ways:

Simple and accessible format

The handout is designed to be user-friendly, allowing you to quickly share it with clients during sessions. Its clear layout makes it easy for clients to understand the signs of toxic positivity, promoting meaningful discussions about their emotions and experiences.

Educational tool for awareness

This handout not only informs clients about toxic positivity but also helps them recognize its signs in their lives. Moreover, it encourages clients to engage in healthy emotional expression and supports their overall mental well-being.

Digital and printable options

One good thing about the handout is its availability in digital format, making it easy to send via email or share during virtual sessions. Additionally, you can print copies for in-person meetings. Having a handy resource to refer to when discussing emotional health with clients is always great.

How to help clients drop toxic positivity

Helping clients drop toxic positivity will benefit not only themselves but also their interactions with others. Here are three practical strategies:

Encourage open discussions about emotions

Create a safe space for clients to express their feelings without judgment. Allow them to share both positive and negative emotions. While doing so, emphasize that it’s alright to feel upset or frustrated. Hurt people may tend to hurt others, too, so acknowledging their struggles is the first step toward healing, both for themselves and in supporting others.

Normalize experiencing a range of emotions

We’ve all heard the advice to “always stay positive,” but it’s important for clients to understand that feeling a range of emotions is completely normal. Share real-life examples of how everyone faces challenges and tough emotions to show that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or anxious at times. Normalizing these feelings can ease the pressure to be positive all the time and encourage clients to support others in embracing their emotions, too.

Promote self-compassion and validation

Teach clients to practice self-compassion by validating their feelings and reminding them that it is acceptable to not always be okay. Remind them to treat themselves and others with kindness and understanding, just as they would with a friend. This way, clients can shift away from toxic positivity and develop a healthier relationship with their emotions and those of others.

Reference

Reynolds, G. (2022, September 23). Toxic positivity. Anxiety & Depression Association of America. https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/toxic-positivity