Toxic Positivity is addressed a lot in the mental health community as being detrimental and unhelpful when speaking with someone that has mental illness or emotional pain. As someone who has a history of dealing with depression on and off, I had my fair share of hearing the phrases “ just get over it” “ smile more, you’ll feel better” “ it can be worse”. I know that for me it brought on a sense of guilt that I had to learn to overcome. This is a guilt that results from Toxic Positivity and that is what Generation Z and many young adults are learning to rise above.
If there is anything this past two years has taught us it is that we need to feel safe enough to experience and express the full range of emotions that comes naturally to us as human beings. If your angry, feel angry, if your sad, then feel sad, it is okay to tap into those emotions; the most important thing is to not stay there. The topic of Toxic Positivity versus Optimism regarding our mental health is important now more than ever. With in these past couple of years that seemed to feel like a rollercoaster of emotions, how does Generation Z find the balance between acknowledging their true feelings while also being brave enough to expect good things ahead?
I spoke with Dr Deepika Chopra the Optimism Doctor who is interested in the “now what…?” of people’s situations. When asked to define the differences between Toxic Positivity and Optimism she explained that “toxic positivity is an insincere notion of positivity that can really lead to harm. It is the disregard of the normal range of human emotions and is the opposite of the validation of hope and the recognition of resiliency”. During our conversation, we tapped into the fact that allowing yourself to experience the full range of emotions whether that be anxiety, depression, anger, or sadness, is what leads to an increase in optimism. Dr Deepika shared that “being optimistic is being mindful and intentional about the roadblocks and setbacks. An Optimist sees these obstacles as temporary and something they can overcome.”
A national survey conducted by Colgate, found that a majority of Gen Z would like to adopt a more optimistic attitude. According to the survey, 8 in 10 believe they have the power to choose optimism and put optimism into action. Dr Chopra describes Generation Z as a mobile generation, action oriented and passionate about what they believe in, with the right tools and skills they can maintain their optimism and increase their resiliency. Dr. Chopra wants to be able to give young adults those skills and abilities. She spoke about her new project with Colgate called The Colgate Optimism Project; which is created to provide mentorship and coaching to young adults, and guide them in taking their optimistic ideas and desires and putting them into action.
When asked what some ways young adults can maintain optimism even during uncertainty, Dr Deepika Chopra shared these key points:
1. Remember That with Trauma Comes Resiliency
-Look at each struggle with “how will I grow from this?”
2. Be Self Compassionate
-Remind yourself that the times we are living in is new, give yourself grace.
3. Focus On What You Have Already Overcome
-Highlight and spot your competence and strengths
In little positive ways every day, we can slowly start to realize the control we still have during and after a global pandemic and lockdown.
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