Addressing negative emotions

Spreading toxic positivity can cause problems in our lives, may it be personal, romantic, or at work.

We may have good intentions as to why we shy away from opening up with other people but it will come off as being dishonest and could put a strain on your relationship and will provide only mistrust.

It is important that we become completely conscious of how we react to things and when to react. Being able to feel negative emotions is normal and should be normalized. Here are ways we can prevent the spread of toxic positivity:

1. Listen to the other person intently and genuinely
2. Do not give unsolicited advice
3. Practice empathy
4. Encourage vulnerability

Having a safe space to share and connect with someone is important so that we don't completely dwell on negativity.

Suppressing or avoiding our difficult emotions is not healthy or helpful.

Doing this impairs our capacity to deal with the world as it is, not as we wish it to be. And this leads to lower levels of resilience, lower levels of wellbeing, and higher levels of depression and anxiety.

An important way of dealing with a difficult emotion is to label it effectively.

Labeling your emotions more accurately helps you understand the cause of those emotions and triggers your ability to set goals and to make real concrete changes.