Page 9 - Senior Times South Central Michigan June 2022 - 29-06

Instead of telling yourself, “Don’t be so negative,” let yourself know that it is OK to feel bad sometimes. It is OK to not be OK. Your feelings are real, they are valid, and they are important.
Take a break from social media if you begin comparing yourself to others, or others to you. Pay attention to how you feel after interacting with social media. If you are left feeling a sense of shame or guilt, it might be due to toxic positivity. In such cases, it can be helpful to limit how much social media you are consuming.
“If you feel like you always have to be ‘on’ or positive, you aren’t being truthful to yourself and to others,” Dr. Fox said. “Life is an emotional process and good and bad feel- ings are a part of our human existence.”
almost anything; it is a sign of strength. This does not mean lashing out or com-
At one time or another, we have all engaged in toxic positivity – often by no fault of our own. By learning to recognize and deal with it allows you to provide and receive genuine support when you or some- one else needs it.
Senior Times - June 2022
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“You don’t want to prioritize positive emo- tions over negative ones,” Dr. Fox said. “All emotions are useful tools to deal with the world around you and both emotions are just as equally valid.”
feeling more alone, ashamed, and embar- rassed. But looks can be deceiving.
Listen and validate other people’s feel- ings. When a friend or loved one shares dif- ficult emotions, do not shut them down with positive platitudes. Instead of telling others, “You should see the bright side,” let someone know it can be tough and you are there to lis- ten and help. Their feelings are real, they are valid, and they are important.
plaining all the time. It is about verbalizing emotions and finding healthy coping mech- anisms. This may mean speaking with a licensed behavioral health specialist or sim- ply writing down your feelings in a journal. In addition, you can also learn to practice meditation and mindfulness techniques.
If you notice yourself spiraling down an “all-or-nothing” mindset, it is time to reassess how you should go about supporting yourself and others. It is better to acknowledge all your emotions, both the good and the bad. “Ask yourself if you’re really being pos- itive or are you not addressing the negative emotions you’re suffering from,” Dr. Fox said. “If you’re not addressing them, it’s not positivity; it’s toxic positivity.”
“Have a moment of self-reflection and ask yourself how you can support them without jumping to positive statements,” said Dr. Fox. “How do you emotionally respond to people in inconvenient situations and how can you be more self-aware and present the next time someone shares something difficult?”
Set boundaries. If certain friends and family spew toxic positivity, it can be helpful to set boundaries, so you protect your men- tal health. Find people who will accept you unconditionally and can help you through tough times. If you still feel lonely or sad, reach out to a licensed behavioral health spe- cialist who can help you navigate your emo- tions.
Find healthy ways to express and man- age your emotions. It may be easier to brush aside or pretend uncomfortable emotions are not there. But if you can manage and handle difficult emotions, you can work through
Limit social media use if you need
to. Social media, especially platforms like Instagram, is a rose-colored look at someone else’s life. Many people only post about the positives in their lives, rarely their flaws or faults. As a result, it may seem like everyone is living their best lives while you are left
Publisher’s Note: If you find that you are struggling to find healthy coping mechanisms such as journaling, meditation, or mindful- ness techniques please reach out for support. This may mean speaking with a licensed behavioral health specialist or even a trusted friend or family member.
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