I wanted to chat about something you may not have heard of before: toxic positivity.
We all know the power of a positive attitude, but sometimes, focusing too much on being positive can actually do more harm than good. This is what we call toxic positivity. It’s when we push ourselves and others to always look on the bright side, even when things are tough.
Why It’s Not So Great:
- It Dismisses Real Feelings: When we only acknowledge positive feelings, we might make others feel like their struggles don’t matter. This can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration.
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It Blocks Genuine Connections: Real relationships are built on understanding and trust, which includes sharing the not-so-great stuff. If we always say, “Just be positive,” we miss out on those deeper connections.
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It Stalls Personal Growth: Facing and working through negative emotions is a big part of personal growth. By ignoring these emotions, we miss out on important learning opportunities.
Understanding the signs of toxic positivity can help us create a more supportive environment for both ourselves and our colleagues. Here are some common signs to look out for, along with examples:
Dismissive Responses to Concerns:- Sign: Brushing off legitimate concerns or challenges with overly positive statements.
- Example: When a colleague mentions they’re struggling with a difficult student, respond with “Just stay positive, everything will work out!” instead of offering support or solutions.
- Sign: Downplaying issues or challenges that need to be addressed.
- Example: A teacher expressing frustration about a lack of resources and hearing, “At least you have a job, be grateful!” instead of acknowledging the challenge and discussing potential solutions.
- Sign: Pushing ourselves or others to be happy and optimistic, regardless of the situation.
- Example: Encourage a teacher having a rough day to “Just smile and keep going!” rather than helping them process their day and develop a plan for moving ahead.
- Sign: Focusing solely on positive outcomes without addressing emotional well-being.
- Example: When a colleague shares feeling burnt out, replying with, “Think of how much the students love you!” instead of recognising their need for rest and self-care.
By recognising these signs, we can better support each other and ourselves. It's important to create an environment where it’s safe to express all emotions and seek help when needed.