The Nuance of Nurturing Hope: Understanding Positivity and Navigating Toxic Positivity in Our A.C.T.I.O.N.s Plan

As Fundamental Wellbeing Course Leaders, you are the guiding lights for so many on their journey towards better mental health. You equip them with invaluable tools and frameworks, and within our A.C.T.I.O.N.s plan, the element of “Talk” and specifically “Be Optimistic” plays a crucial role in fostering a hopeful outlook.

However, the landscape of positivity isn’t always as straightforward as it might seem. While genuine optimism is a powerful catalyst for resilience and growth, there’s a less helpful side we need to be acutely aware of: what we might call toxic or unhelpful positivity. This concept, while perhaps new to some, is vital for us to understand so that we can guide our delegates effectively and authentically.

What Exactly is Unhelpful Positivity?

Unhelpful positivity, at its core, is the insistence on a consistently upbeat and cheerful state, regardless of the circumstances. It often involves downplaying or dismissing difficult emotions and experiences in oneself and others. It’s the pressure to “keep your chin up” no matter what 💪, even when facing genuine hardship, loss, or significant emotional distress 😔.

Think about some common phrases we might hear or even say:

• “Don’t worry, just think happy thoughts 😊.”
• “Look on the bright side ☀️, it could be worse.”
• “Everything happens for a reason 🙏, so stay positive!”
• “Just be happy 😄!”
• “Other people have it tougher than you 😥.”
• “Positive vibes only 😎!”

While these statements might be intended to offer comfort or encouragement, they can often have the opposite effect . They can shut down authentic emotional expression and leave individuals feeling unheard, invalidated, and even guilty for experiencing difficult emotions 😟.

Why is Unhelpful Positivity Problematic?

For individuals navigating mental health challenges, unhelpful positivity can be particularly damaging because it:

• Dismisses their reality 🚫: It suggests that their feelings are not valid or important.
• Hinders emotional processing ⏳🛑: By pushing for a positive spin, it can prevent the necessary process of acknowledging, understanding, and working through difficult emotions.
• Fosters a sense of loneliness 😔: When someone is told to simply “be positive” while struggling, they may feel even more isolated in their experience.
• Can breed self-criticism 😠: Individuals might feel flawed for not being able to maintain a perpetually positive attitude.
• Erodes trust in supportive relationships 💔: If someone consistently encounters unhelpful positivity, they may become less likely to share their true feelings in the future.

Genuine Optimism: A Supportive Approach

In contrast, genuine optimism is about hope and a positive outlook that acknowledges and validates the full spectrum of human emotions. It’s about offering support and belief in someone’s capacity to cope and grow, alongside acknowledging their current reality. Consider these more supportive responses:

• “This sounds really tough. Is there anything I can do to support you right now? ❤️”
• “It’s okay to feel however you’re feeling. I’m here for you 🤗.”
• “You’ve shown strength in the past, and I believe you’ll navigate this too ✨.”
• “You’re not alone in this. There are people who care and want to help 🙏.”
• “It’s alright to cry or feel down. Would you like to talk about it or just have some quiet space 🧘‍♀️?”
• “Things are difficult at the moment. How can we approach this with hope while still acknowledging the challenges 🤔?”

These responses offer empathy, validation, and support without dismissing the individual’s feelings. They acknowledge the difficulty while still instilling hope and offering practical assistance.

Connecting with “Be Optimistic” in Our A.C.T.I.O.N.s Plan

This understanding of the difference between unhelpful positivity and genuine optimism is particularly relevant when we guide our students through the “Be Optimistic” part of the Talk section in our A.C.T.I.O.N.s plan. Encouraging optimism isn’t about demanding a constantly cheerful demeanour. Instead, it’s about:

• Cultivating a belief in the possibility of positive change and growth, even when facing difficulties ⛰️.
• Helping individuals recognise their inner resources and coping abilities 💪🧠.
• Promoting a hopeful perspective that is balanced with an honest acknowledgement of current struggles 😔➡️😊.
• Teaching healthy coping strategies that allow for the experience and processing of all emotions, not just the “good” ones 😊.
• Creating a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals feel comfortable expressing their true feelings ❤️🗣️.

As course leaders, our aim is to nurture realistic optimism – an optimism that doesn’t ignore pain but believes in the potential for healing and positive movement forward. It’s about being a supportive presence that validates experiences while gently guiding individuals towards a more hopeful future ✨.

Let’s strive to empower our students to navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs with resilience and genuine hope, fostering an environment where all emotions are acknowledged and validated 🙌.

Now, let’s open this up for discussion in the comments below 👇:

• What are your reflections on the idea of unhelpful positivity? Have you witnessed it in action 👀?
• How do you approach the “Be Optimistic” aspect of the Talk section in a way that fosters genuine hope ✨ and avoids unhelpful positivity 🚫😊?
• What are some alternative ways to respond to someone in distress that are both validating 👍 and hopeful ✨?
• Are there any resources or insights you’d like to share on fostering realistic optimism 🤔➡️😊?

Your collective wisdom and experiences are incredibly valuable, and we encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments! 🗣️