#248: The Problem with Toxic Positivity with Whitney Goodman

Themes: Toxic Positivity, Social Media, Authenticity, Parenting, Mental Health Summary: Meet Whitney Goodman, LMFT — a radically honest psychotherapist behind the hugely popular Instagram account @sitwithwhit, author, and the owner of The Collaborative Counseling Center, a virtual therapy practice in Florida. Whitney's debut book, Toxic Positivity: Keeping it Real in a World Obsessed with Being Happy, shows readers how to shift the goal from being happy to being authentic in order to live fully. In this episode, we discuss toxic positivity and how a “good vibes only” mentality, while good-intentioned, can actually backfire when we’re denying and dismissing the hardships of life. Discover: What the term toxic positivity means, and why constantly striving to maintain a positive outlook isn’t actually helpful or realistic when it comes to mental health How social media perpetuates toxic positivity and shame through an absence of realness How to avoid the anxiety and comparison that comes with the constant positivity on social media Why keeping it real and not forcing positivity leads to deeper, more sincere connections The best way you can show up for someone who’s going through a hard time 00:00 Intro 01:01 Toxic positivity 02:51 Cultural gaslighting 03:24 Gratitude, toxic positivity & the internet 04:47 History of toxic positivity 08:06 The absence of realness on social media 10:53 Social media boundaries 12:59 The cultural shift beyond constant positivity 15:00 The effects of toxic positivity on connection 21:14 Connection between cancel culture and toxic positivity 24:18 Toxic positivity in relationships 28:01 Stop trying to save people 31:51 Relationships with parents 37:00 Gender roles in parenting 38:42 Life without a smartphone and the internet 41:42 Living in alignment with your values Links: Website | sitwithwhit.com Book | Toxic Positivity Instagram | @sitwithwhit Sponsors: Organifi | Use code CREATETHELOVE for 20% off your next order at organifi.com/createthelove Create the Love Cards | Use code CTLCARDS15 for 15% off at createthelove.com/cards Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands