When Positivity Becomes Toxic
Her World Singapore|June 2021
Being optimistic and thinking positive are good traits to have. However, in some situations, it can end up doing more harm than good.
Adora Wong
When Positivity Becomes Toxic

Ever had to go through a difficult situation, only for friends to tell you something like, “Everything is going to be OK”? Positive as the statement may be, it also entails a certain degree of toxicity. It’s called toxic positivity.

Sure, nobody wants to be a Negative Nancy, but that doesn’t mean we should maintain a positive mindset no matter the situation. Other scenarios of forced empathy: “Don’t worry about your pay cut, at least you still have a job” and “Don’t be sad about your break-up, you should be grateful that you still have a family to come home to”. Toxic positivity can be damaging, say experts.

THE GOOD-VIBES-ONLY APPROACH

According to Dr Annabelle Chow, a clinical psychologist at Annabelle Psychology, this coping mechanism is unhealthy. Suppressing emotions for the sake of projecting a positive outlook externally can have unfavourable repercussions.

This story is from the June 2021 edition of Her World Singapore.

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This story is from the June 2021 edition of Her World Singapore.

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