Toxic Positivity: Keeping It Real in a World Obsessed with Being Happy

An honest guide to mastering your emotions—even the most difficult ones—in order to truly hear yourself and become free. Become yourself.

Every day, we’re pressured to be positive. From everywhere we hear the mantra: “Think positively. Don’t pay attention to the bad.” As a result, we get used to believing that the key to happiness and well-being lies in suppressing negativity—no matter where it appears—in us or in others. Even when we face illnesses, losses, breakups, and other problems, we avoid admitting our real emotions to ourselves.

But if all this positivity is the answer, why do so many of us experience anxiety, stress, and burnout?

In this book, well-known psychotherapist Whitney Goodman shares the results of the latest research showing how harmful this toxic positivity is to us and our relationships. She explains why it’s important to finally acknowledge our real emotions and describes strategies that will help you cope with them. By giving yourself permission to feel, you can become yourself. The book is full of examples and stories from practice. Topics covered include shaming, body perception, self-love, and self-help.