“Toxic positivity is the belief that, regardless of the situation, we should have a positive and upbeat mindset.” – Dr. Meg Arroll. Toxic positivity is not intentionally done to harm, but it usually does. It undermines the traumas that people endure and can often leave them feeling confused, hurt, or even ashamed. 
In society, we often think the best way to get someone up and active after a bad experience is to reassure them that tomorrow will be brighter; that is not always the case. Saying things like “look on the bright side no matter what you’re going through!” or “stay positive always ” is an example of toxic positivity. Though research has shown that happiness and positivity have health benefits, making others feel ashamed by sharing traumas can leave them with mental illnesses.
Toxic positivity can also cause someone to develop false happiness. It’s a situation whereby people try to convince themselves that they are happy, but in truth, they know they are not. Constantly, we find ourselves sad or angry, and we wonder why we aren’t happy. Instead of trying to dig deep, find, and tackle the problem, we pretend like we are all right and subsequently have major breakdowns later in life.
Toxic positivity can make you feel so undermined that you start to question your beliefs, experiences, and even reality. Trying to be happy all the time can set people up for a lifetime of never feeling good enough. It can cause an individual to lack contentment and always chase the next best thing without considering the toll it is taking on their health.
Like I mentioned before, toxic positivity is not usually intended to hurt someone but as a community we need to learn that instead of reassuring people that there are brighter days ahead, we can just listen and share our own experiences. You don’t always have to procure solutions to everything or suggest that the person is victimising themselves, instead listen, be present both physically and mentally, without knowing it you may be lifting the person’s spirit.
Kimberly Somtochukwu OZOH
Class of 2027