Forbes June 23, 2024
Mark Travers

Self-care has become a buzzword in wellness culture and for good reason—it’s essential for our mental, emotional and physical health. These practices can work wonders, but when chasing positivity turns into an obsession—it can lead to what researchers call “toxic positivity.”

This happens when the pursuit of positivity becomes all-consuming, pushing us to focus on positive thinking while brushing off real emotions. In essence, toxic positivity invalidates negative experiences by promoting the idea that one should always maintain a sunny outlook, regardless of circumstances. Here are three specific examples of how self-care can slip into toxic positivity and end up doing more harm than good.

1. The Social Media Mantra—“Good Vibes Only”

While surrounding oneself with positivity can be uplifting,...

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