In today’s world, positivity is often promoted as the solution to every problem. While optimism can be beneficial, forcing positivity in difficult situations can become harmful. This is known as toxic positivity.
Toxic positivity is the belief that people should maintain a positive mindset regardless of how painful, difficult, or challenging a situation may be. Phrases such as “Just stay positive,” “Everything happens for a reason,” or “Don’t think negatively” may seem encouraging, but they can unintentionally dismiss genuine emotions.
Mental health thrives not on constant happiness, but on emotional honesty. Sadness, grief, anger, disappointment, and fear are natural human emotions. When individuals feel pressured to hide these feelings, they may experience guilt, shame, isolation, and emotional suppression.
Instead of telling someone to “just stay positive,” a more supportive response could be:
● “I’m here for you.”
● ”It’s okay to feel this way.”
● ”Would you like to talk about it?”
● ”Your feelings are valid.”
True healing begins when people are allowed to acknowledge and express their emotions without judgment. Positivity is valuable when it co-exist with acceptance, empathy, and understanding not when it replaces them.
In our journey through life, it doesn’t matter if everyone around us is always positive or understands us. What truly matters is learning to accept situations as they are and not allowing them to cause excessive stress. Not everyone will acknowledge our efforts, feelings, or struggles, and that’s okay. This is our life to live, our path to walk, and our happiness to create. Acceptance, self-belief, and inner peace are far more important than seeking validation from others.
● I am perfectly imperfect.
● I accept myself flaws and all.
● I am okay on my own.
● I let people be who they are.
Remember: Mental wellness is not about being positive all the time. It is about allowing yourself to feel, process, and grow through every emotion.
QUOTE BY DR. MEHJABEEN:
“Healing begins the moment we stop pretending everything is okay and start honouring what we truly feel.”
— Dr. Mehjabeen,
Founder Vision High Mental Health Wellness.
ABOUT DR. MEHJABEEN
Dr. Mehjabeen is a renowned clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, founder of Vision High Mental Wellness, and Mental Health Ambassador for Counsel India. Since 2016, she has led influential mental health campaigns, particularly in underserved communities. Her impactful work has earned her numerous honors, including the Mahila Ratna Award, AIWA Top 100 Excellence Psychologist Award, Women International Icon Award, Asia Education Award (Best Psychologist), and India’s Top 50 Women Icon 2022 for outstanding contribution to mental wellness. Recognised as a Change Maker and Child Psychologist, she has also received accolades from organizations like the NSI Global Council and Indian Women History Museum.
An accomplished author of “SELF” and “The Lost Love Occur”, Dr. Mehjabeen continues to champion mental health awareness globally. Through Vision High Mental Wellness, she collaborates internationally — including with Nigeria’s Mind Matters Initiative — to establish sustainable mental health programs across borders.
Her achievements include receiving more than 40 Awards.
Dr Mehjabeen
Founder Vision High Mental Health Wellness
Director Karnataka state Board Mental Health & Human Rights
Women president GHRT
National Director Health & Mental well Being DASF
www.drmehjabeenvisionhigh.com
