Member-only story
The Rise of Toxic Positivity in the Era of Coronavirus
Let’s aim to do this instead.
I’m talking to a good friend about how life has changed since Coronavirus.
It honestly feels good to state out loud and acknowledge how our quality of life has decreased in this era of COVID. Our jobs, kids, schooling, summer plans…nothing is safe, and there seems to be no end in sight.
I’m betting you can empathize.
My friend, however, did not. “Let’s look at the bright side! You are so lucky for so many reasons. Let’s focus on that, instead!”
She had good intentions, but her false cheer rubbed me the wrong way.
Turns out, there’s a name for it.
Positivity Turned Negative
Toxic positivity, according to Heather Monroe, a clinical social worker and director of program development at Newport Institute, is the idea that we should focus only on positive emotions and the positive aspects of life.
It’s the belief that if we ignore difficult emotions and the parts of our life that aren’t working as well, we’ll be much happier.
As we all probably have experienced, being able to talk through our struggles and concerns is incredibly beneficial.
