What is Toxic Positivity and Why It's Unhelpful (Ft. Whitney Goodman)

<p>How many times have you heard phrases like "you'll be fine," "don't cry," "everything happens for a reason," or "it could be worse"?</p><p>When working through difficult emotions or challenging circumstances like loss, breakups, illness, or family issues, it can be frustrating when we are urged to be more positive.</p><p>The truth is that even amid life’s challenges, we’re often pressured into being positive. We’re told to “look on the bright side” and be happy. </p><p>And sometimes we ourselves tend to be overly positive because we just want to fix a friend’s hurt and help them feel better.</p><p>While optimism is important and needed, there’s also something to be said for when positivity becomes toxic and prevents us from working through difficult emotions.</p><p>But how can you recognize the difference between toxic positivity and optimism? And how can you find other ways to work through negative emotions?</p><p>In this episode, Jordan talks with therapist and author Whitney Goodman about what toxic positivity looks like and how we can leave space for our real feelings.</p><p>Grab your headphones and tune in to this episode to learn:</p><ul><li>What toxic positivity is and what it’s not</li><li>Why silencing negativity and difficult emotions doesn’t always work</li><li>How to recognize if our positivity is toxic</li><li>Ways to support someone going through a hard time</li><li>How to complain and vent effectively / in a healthy way</li><li>Ways to help your child regulate their emotions instead of resorting to toxic positivity</li></ul><p>Ready to dig deeper? Learn more at <a href="http://sitwithwhit.com" target="_blank">sitwithwhit.com</a>.</p><p>P.S. If you haven't yet, make sure to grab a copy of Jordan's book, <a href="https://jordanleedooley.com/eya" target="_blank">Embrace Your Almost</a>.</p>