Cara Weingarten, LMHC

🧑‍🎨🎶💗


Toxic positivity

Has something ever upsetting happen to you and friends or family have responded with comments such as, “stay positive” “everything happens for a reason” “other people have it a lot worse” or “look on the bright side”? Although their intentions are good your left feeling the same or worse than you did before telling them… this is toxic positivity. Its ineffective and denies, minimizes, and invalidates genuine human emotional experience. In fact these type of responses create guilt, shame, and prevent growth. IT’S OK TO HAVE NEGATIVE EMOTIONS! Their comfort is not more important than your reality. Give yourself permission to feel your feelings whether they be sad, dissapointed, angry, or scared etc. These feelings don’t make you a negative person. You can be a positive person and still have these feelings. If you have experienced this or recognize you have responded the same way to others, thats okay. We are currently living in a “good vibes only” society, however it’s not working. Su***de, depression, and drug use is at an all time high. To be helpful or recognize when someone is treating you with toxic positivity check out the statements in the photo. I hope you have the best day ever! JUST KIDDING! I hope you accept and let pass any emotions you feel today!

https://eastbocacounseling.com

When you have a strong reaction to an external, internal, or sensory source you know you have been triggered. When you become mindful of how you FEEL rather than reacting you can begin to validate. Validate your sadness or frustration or any of the feelings listed below. Know that your feelings are so valid! That they matter! It is perfectly human and normal to feel sad, shame, angry, hurt , or any other emotion. If you are having trouble identifying your triggers and feelings or having trouble overcoming the power of these triggers therapy can help.

https://eastbocacounseling.com/

https://eastbocacounseling.com/