Greetings, everyone! Next month in May is Mental Health Month. So, in this week's podcast episode, we will learn about Toxic Positivity. Toxic Positivity is the belief that people should maintain a positive mindset no matter how dire or difficult a situation is. It's the act of avoiding, suppressing, or rejecting negative emotions or experiences. Toxic Positivity hinges on failing to acknowledge or accept someone's negative emotions.

A few examples included:

• Statement: "I don't know if I can have a relationship with my sister. She doesn't treat me with decency and respect." Response: "She's family. You should love her no matter what."

• Statement: "Work has been really stressful lately." Response: "You're lucky even to have a job."

• Statement: "I'm having a hard day." Response: "But you have so much to be grateful for."

In these examples, positivity is used to deny negativity. An alternative response might sound like, "I'm sorry—that sounds hard. Tell me about it." This response accepts the person's emotions and demonstrates compassion and gratitude.

Please click on this link to learn about the basics of mental health, treatment options, disorders, symptoms, myths, facts, and how to get help:https://www.mentalhealth.org/

If you would like to leave a comment or have a question, please go to this link: anchor. fm/diana-tuckervbm/message.

Also, please visit our website: www.vbministry.com

Our children's affirmation book link: https://vbministry.com/books

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