I’m reposting this insightful article about toxic positivity from author Catherine Renton. (It was published in British Vogue and then Elle USA. Read both for a fuller exploration of the topic. The reader/writer/journalist in me loves the slight language differences from one piece to the other.)
”How many times have you told someone ‘it could be worse’ this year? Next time, perhaps don’t. According to the experts, refusing to countenance anything but optimism – coupled with an endless stream of #GoodVibesOnly posts on social media – is all part of a culture of toxic positivity that can be damaging, rather than comforting. As one psychologist puts it, ‘the pressure to “be positive” during a crisis invalidates a person’s emotions,’ even though those emotions might be entirely appropriate. (Read on) for more on the rise of toxic positivity, and how to know if you’re spreading it.” — British Vogue via Instagram
