Why being positive isn't always the answer

Midlife Spotlight

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In this podcast episode, we delve into the concept of toxic positivity, which pressures people to show only positive emotions while suppressing negative ones.

We stress the importance of acknowledging genuine emotions, while emphasizing the need to find hope, process negative emotions, and create meaning from adversity. Denying life's challenges is unrealistic. What’s more, negative emotions are a part of growth. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be uncomfortable but it’s necessary to make progress in life.

Finally, we conclude that forcing yourself to be constantly happy is not helpful. There’s a key difference between a genuinely positive outlook and the pressure to think positively when there’s nothing to be positive about.

Some things to clarify: It was also Viktor Frankel who coined the term tragic optimism. This episode could have been retitled, "an homage to Viktor."
And although he was an author, I should have stated his correct title, which is that of an Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, who founded logotherapy, a school of psychotherapy that describes a search for a life's meaning as the central human motivational force.

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Disclaimer: This podcast, along with associated websites and social media materials, are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed are that of Sara Garska and Kate Campion, and that of our guests, respectively. It is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare professional for medical questions.