This week I have seen a bunch of people who suffer depression and other mental illnesses saying that the only solution to their current levels of unhappiness is just to think positive.
I find that solution is flawed. Actually I find it works against me. If I try to think positive when I’m upset I start blaming myself for not believing that I’m being positive, and that often leads to self harm. If it helps some people I think it’s valuable however it shouldn’t be sold as the only solution.
In fact, even when I’m not feeling #@%@#$@# (I have nfi how to explain how I get in these episodes) and I hear someone talk about being positive, it sets my teeth on edge. It’s like I automatically know that person doesn’t understand me and will probably think I’m just making things harder for myself. Ugh and if I start talking about where that leads me I think I’ll be here all night.
In conclusion: Just “being positive” is not a workable solution for many people and can actually be negative and damaging.