One can’t deny the fact that positivity can be powerful. The positivity a human holds within themselves when they can manage it makes it a little easier to get by. But it’s quite shocking to hear that positivity isn’t always the best way to help others because you just can’t make someone ‘be positive’. You are no magician that you can sprinkle positivity dust on someone and make their problems vanish. Honestly, when someone is seeking support and help, they’re obviously not asking for inspirational straight-up, poster positivity. They are looking for validation that their negative feelings are okay and completely normal.

So Whitney Hawkins Goodman, LMFT, a Psychotherapist and owner of The Collaborative Counseling Center, shared a simple but important chart on the difference between giving a person ‘validation and hope’ versus ‘toxic positivity’ on her Instagram account called @sitwithwhit and it’s something we all needed to hear since long!

Psychotherapist Whitney Hawkins Goodman created a chart to educate people on the difference between validation and ‘toxic positivity’ – and it’s going viral

The therapist explained that she found the ‘toxic positivity’ sayings from Pinterest, which can be harmless mantras for some but for people going through a tough time they can have a deeper effect.

Along with the post Goodman wrote: “I’ve realized people HATE the word toxic. I hear ya’ll. Got a lot of comments on “never give up.” Decided to keep it. There are relationships, life goals, plans and situations that is OK to give up on. Not everything needs to result in completion. Sometimes it is safer to give up. We owe each other the space to discuss the options,” and asked her followers, “What are some other positive sayings that you think are totally dismissive?”

People loved the chart and thought it nailed this very important lesson