It's Time to Ditch Toxic Positivity in Favor of Emotional Validation

My own journey through a half-decade of chronic illness was altered heavily by my shift in thinking.

It can result intoxic positivity, which has negative consequences on our psyches.

What we should be aiming for instead isemotional validation.

What does this all mean, and how do we make the change?

Read on to learn more.

What Is Toxic Positivity?

Toxic positivity is the maintenance of positive thinking even in situations where it isn’t appropriate.

While positive thinking in general is a great thing, toxic positivity is not.

It often comes at the risk of denying our own genuine feelings or the feelings of others.

Emotional validation is essentially the opposite of toxic positivity.

That doesn’t mean it promotes and encourages negative thinking endlessly, though.

Vasan tells us that with toxic positivity, emotions like sadness and frustration are pushed aside.

Emotional validation is a concept that involves the understanding that feelings aren’t permanent.

If something terrible happens in your life, you’ll inevitably move through the feelings that come with it.

By being true to yourself, it’s possible for you to move forward in your life.

Toxic positivity is invalidating to ourselves and to those we care about.

Practicing emotional validation is a healthier option for you and the ones you love.

Luckily, it isn’t at all difficult to do.

“I recommend briefly pausing and reflecting before responding to someone,” suggests Vasan.

Before responding to bad news or a friend’s difficult circumstance, make space to just listen.

Be open and know that it’s OK to feel whatever you’re feeling.

This can be as simple as saying I understand youre really sad," explains Vasan.

She says we must avoid the desire to brush past difficult emotions.

“Let someone share how they are really doing and feeling,” recommends Vasan.

There are validating statements that can be used that many people respond well to.

As for yourself, remind yourself that the situation you’re in is a challenge for you.

It’s something you have to move through, and that’s going to take time.

Whatever you’re feeling is temporary, and allowing yourself to feel it will help you get through it.

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