Positive thinking is a great goal, but toxic positivity goes beyond having an optimistic outlook. As you may already know, it refers to believing that no matter what challenges and losses life throws at us, like financial crises, health problems, or failed relationships, we’re supposed to be positive. Unfortunately, that can mean denying very real problems, rejecting the emotions setbacks can trigger, and having unrealistic expectations that lead us to blame ourselves and feel like a failure—none of which are productive or conducive to emotional growth. And, unfortunately, toxic positivity seems to be a growing phenomenon.

The upsurge likely started as an attempt to cheer each other up during Covid but hasn’t stopped. In fact, a recent study found that on social media sites, 44 percent of affirmations, 21 percent of advice sentences, and 14 percent of personal experience statements could be categorized as toxic positivity since they focus on emotion........

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