Is Your Positive Thinking Becoming Toxic?

Have you ever heard the phrase “good vibes only”? While the sentiment is meant to be positive, it can unknowingly create a rather toxic narrative. The goal for most of us is to be more positive, however, if you try to ignore negativity completely it can begin to feel rather unhealthy.

Toxic Positivity 

Positivity can be powerful. It can help your mind to focus and believe that there is always something good that could happen despite the challenges. It can help you see obstacles and difficulties as opportunities to grow into the person you were meant to be.

Positivity can also be toxic without validation of your situation and addressing the challenges you are facing. Seeking the help of a licensed therapist can help you to address your challenges head on, validate your experience and move forward with an outlook that works for you. Positivity is not ignoring the negative, it’s allowing it to exist in harmony with positivity. Without this it can turn into toxic positivity. 

Life is far from perfect. Trials and adversities are as much part of life as achievements and triumphs. The key is to acknowledge that the positive does exist alongside the negative. Unfortunately, in the midst of adversity, finding the positive can be extremely hard to do on your own.

Pessimism and Optimism Can Be Contagious 

Both pessimism and optimism instinctively affect your thinking, they are contagious. If things are not going your way, you can easily succumb to hopelessness when you are surrounded by negativity. If you want to usher in more positivity, seek positive influences, and resolve the problems you are facing.

If your family is experiencing the same challenges, they may not be the right people to help you at this point in time. If you are apprehensive about sharing your concerns with your friends, fearing their judgment or simply just not feeling comfortable sharing, speaking with a professional may be just what you need.

Finding a Healthier Narrative 

Healthy positivity can be found by seeking out people who can be a source of encouragement in your life. Carolina Counseling Services in Cameron, NC contracts with skilled licensed therapists and prescribers who can help. Therapy can provide you with a non-judgmental environment and help you to feel better about yourself and your circumstances. 

Counseling can help you to find hope, positivity and resilience while they assist you in addressing unresolved concerns that may be getting in the way of your daily functioning. With a more positive mindset, you can overcome life’s challenges and come out stronger on the other side. If you are looking to improve the way you feel, call today to schedule your first appointment!

Providers are in network with most major insurances including Aetna, Aetna State Health Plan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), Tricare and Medicaid. Online appointments are available making getting the mental health care you deserve anywhere in North Carolina more convenient than ever before!

Jaime Johnson Fitzpatrick LCMHCS, LCAS is one of the Owners and Vice Presidents of Carolina Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in the State of North Carolina as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in State of New York. Jaime is also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes various other approaches in her practice.