Toxic Positivity

Mental health is such a broad topic, it’s practically impossible to talk about everything that encompasses it. But one thing that often stands out to me a lot. I am all for positivity in all parts of life. I totally believe that surrounding yourself with affirmations, good people, and generally happy aspects can make a huge positive impact on your mental health. But, there is a certain point where that same positivity can become toxic.

I’ve seen a lot of this lately as my own and other students' mental healths have been struggling due to the immense workload near the end of the semester. And while the intentions are good, really, sometimes it just makes everything that much more overwhelming. What I’m feeling can’t always be fixed by being shown the good or the positive in the world or in my own life. Sometimes, the only thing that’ll help is a good cry. A good sob, if you will. Or even just spending a good twenty minutes complaining with your friends about every shitty thing that’s happened in your day. And people might say that this only amplifies the bad more and hurts our mental health. And I think if that’s the only thing one chooses to focus on, I agree. But sometimes it’s what one needs.

Growing up, my family attempted to interact with my mental health issues by pushing me to be positive and focus on all the positive. And a lot of the times that hurt me more than anything else. There is no such thing as being happy all the time. Or sad all the time. Simply a fluctuation between the two. And I think that it’s okay to stay in that crappy feeling a little longer, instead of forcing yourself to be happy and positive just because.