Not Knowing The Difference Between Support And Toxic Positivity Could Be Doing More Harm Than Good
We all struggle sometimes; it's an unfortunate part of life. There is nothing worse than watching your friends, family and loved ones struggle, but has how you've been trying to bring a little happiness into their life actually been hurting them? Looking on the bright side is easier said than done and may not be helpful at all to someone struggling with mental illness.
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Having a good support network is imperative to recovery, something that Whitney Hawkins Goodman, a psychotherapist in Florida believes strongly in. Her Instagram account is dedicated to sharing ways that people can help their loved ones when they are struggling. Including sharing a chart that points out the difference between support and toxic positivity.
You can't make someone happy just by telling them to "be happy!" But this chart outlines some other common phrases that are unhelpful to use.
Simply by changing your language, you can become a better and more supportive person.
Asking people how you can help, rather than just telling them to look on the bright-side, will be better for them and you, as well.
These substitutes validate the persons feelings, yet still inspire hope.
By keeping your remarks on the "toxic positivity" side of the chart, you are just giving them a cheap line that doesn't really help. The person may they refrain from sharing with you in the future because of your apparent disbelief and disregard for their feelings.
Next time someone is explaining how they feel, don't give them some faux-positive line about "good vibes" and instead have a supportive conversation that acknowledges their feelings.
Whitney's Instagram is full of good advice, check it out at @sitwithwhit.