Toxic positivity is unknowingly dangerous and often used by the public without realizing how much of a negative impact it can have on others. Having a positive mindset is great, but it can turn toxic especially when the situation calls for dealing with the problem straight up and accepting the issue for what it is.
I’ve seen many of my friends being told off by the older generation whenever they vent, that “you shouldn’t complain, there are people in worse situations than you are”. While that might be true, it can invalidate the person’s feelings. It may cause the person to feel guilty for feeling the way that they do.
Sometimes, the best way to help is just to be there for them and support them by listening and being present. Most times people rant or vent not because they expect a solution from you, but because they need someone to let them know that their feelings are valid and that that’s okay to not be okay.
Ariel Huang
Admin Intern