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Understanding Toxic Positivity: When Optimism Becomes Harmful
Toxic positivity is the phenomenon where individuals feel pressured to maintain an overly positive mindset, often at the expense of acknowledging genuine emotions. This unhealthy positivity can lead to emotional suppression, where feelings of sadness, frustration, or anxiety are dismissed or invalidated in favor of a relentless pursuit of happiness. It’s crucial to recognize that while positive thinking can be beneficial, it becomes toxic when it disregards our authentic experiences and struggles.