Have you ever heard of toxic positivity?
"Look on the bright side", "It could be worse," "positive vibes only" "No excuses", or my personal favourite "but have you tried going for a walk/meditation/a positive mindset?"
While these things are all individually really good for your mental health - it can be incredibly invalidating when you're not feeling good and someone suggests that your problems could be easily solved by doing something simple like changing your mindset/behaviour.
It implies that the fault is your own for not simply adjusting your mindset rather than just a normal and completely understandable response - it is in fact a personal flaw.
If you've ever hidden away from the world when you've felt sad, felt shame or tried to sugar coat your uncomfortable feelings like sadness, anger, or jealousy to make other people feel comfortable then have a listen to this podcast episode where I talk about how toxic positivity effects us in our bodies and the long term effects of denying your right to feel sad.
I also share some tips at the end and offer some words of validation. If you needed permission, here it is.
Links:
Instagram - I've now moved Instagram accounts! You can find me at @Sabhalo_
Link to my mailing list to download my FREE Progressive Muscle Relaxation audio for a deep hypnotic relaxation for stress & burnout.
Sabhalo Store - for preventative self care items & my self care box for beating burnout.
Source to the medical journal I referenced about supressing your emotions
Source for the quote I used by Caroline Fenkel