This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/mentallystrong, and get 10% off your first month.
©2025 – Amy Morin, LCSW. All Rights Reserved
©2025 – Amy Morin, LCSW. All Rights Reserved
While there is value in looking on the bright side, denying negative emotions can lead to depression, reduce motivation, cause unpreparedness, and overlook real risks. It’s important to acknowledge and honor uncomfortable feelings in order to fully appreciate happiness.
Key Takeaways:
“Toxic positivity is when you look for something positive to the extent that you try to suppress any feelings of sadness or disappointment.”
“Toxic positivity is different–it’s when you deny ever feeling sad or disappointed in the first place and you try to convince yourself that you are happy.”
“A little self-doubt is actually good for you. Studies show athletes with a little self-doubt outperform those who are completely confident.”
“Positivity becomes toxic when it clouds your judgment. If you only focus on all the good things that could happen, you’ll overlook the real level of risk you face.”
“Let yourself feel bad so you can honor something you’ve lost. That will help you heal so you can fully enjoy the happy times ahead.”
0:00:00 Introduction to the concept of toxic positivity
0:01:55 Toxic positivity can lead to depression
0:02:51 Toxic positivity drains self-control
0:03:56 Toxic positivity reduces motivation
0:06:35 Toxic positivity causes unpreparedness
0:08:10 Focusing on the positive overlooks risk
0:09:40 Strategies to combat toxic positivity
0:11:41 Future episode on dealing with others’ toxic positivity
0:12:07 Free access to online course for leaving a review
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Connect with Amy on Instagram – @AmyMorinAuthor
Email the show – Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/mentallystrong, and get 10% off your first month.
