Here’s what happened in my life over the past week:
- I had some Amazon gift cards, so I decided to do a bit of shopping. I got a poncho, which is something I’ve never had before, and it’s like wearing a blanket.
- I wasted large amounts of time looking for information for my work in progress about a link between toxic positivity and mental illness. But toxic positivity isn’t a validated construct, so I’ve been pulling search terms out of my ass and getting results that aren’t what I’m looking for. What I’m looking for may not exist at all, but I feel like there’s got to be something. And it’s not actually necessary, but my brain doesn’t generate a lot of spontaneous thought, so it helps to have research findings to anchor onto.
- It was interesting to see people’s responses to the post I did earlier in the week about mental illness and decision-making style. We have a lot of shared experiences, but also a lot of diversity.
- I’m not thrilled with my best friend right now. I won’t go into it here, but it’s an issue I’ve brought up mental times and it doesn’t get addressed, and I’m getting rather tired of it.
I also wanted to mentioned Stayed on Freedoms Call, a short book by Shira of ShiraDest that’s available free on Internet Archive. It offers fascinating insights into how relationships developed through the years between Jewish and African-American communities in Washington DC. I found it particularly interesting that “By 1950 Black and Jewish protesters in and around Washington, DC were jointly picketing on the premise that ‘anti-semitism is kin to Jim-Crowism’.” With all the division and strife in the world, coming together is as important now as it’s ever been, and this book is certainly a step in the right direction.
How has your week been?
I’d love to know what you come up with regarding the link between toxic positivity and mental illness.
I’m sorry things with your best friend aren’t too chipper. I hope whatever the issue is does get addressed soon…xx
Unfortunately I haven’t come up with much, but I’ll keep looking!
I mentioned toxic positivity in a recent post and people seemed to ‘get it’, so I started looking at doing a full post on it. I couldn’t find much (anything) in the way of research in terms of toxic positivity generally, let alone linking to mental illness as you’re looking for, so mine’s going to be more of a common-sense-meets-personal-opinion piece. Considering how far behind on everything I am, I imagine getting the post done by 2025, by which point there will more than likely be a few research studies done! 😂
Healthline has a bit here –
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/toxic-positivity-during-the-pandemic#What-is-toxic-positivity?
And this –
https://discoverypointretreat.com/recovery-blog/toxic-positivity-depression/
Thanks so much for the links! Yes, it’s definitely a topic that’s relevant for a lot of people. And 2025 works – I’ll still be here!
Hello Ashley Leia,
In regards to your research topic on toxic positivity, it may not be helpful or you may already have seen this blog post: https://thepsychologygroup.com/toxic-positivity/
By Dr. Jamie Long and Samra Quintero.
I know you are an excellent researcher – you will find the material you seek. Cheers.💖💖
Thanks so much for that!
You are welcome.💖😊
Wow, this will sound offbeat, but great job using the word “strife” outside of a bad poem! It’s one of those words that never gets used except when a bad poet needs a rhyme for “life”. But you used it in normal talk! Go you!
My week has been dreadful. Just awful. It can’t end soon enough!! 😮 Oh my gosh.
I had to look at the post because I didn’t remember having used the word strife then (or ever).
Yeah, you’ve had a lot of crap this week!
I agree. Coming together is a must!
😊
Interesting about the book. My understanding is that relations between the African-American and Jewish communities in the US soured in the seventies for various reasons and still aren’t particularly good.
Oh, interesting.
My week was busy, but very funny!!
Oh good!
A busy week of varied things. One that has been annoying and stressful, but after they got in touch as they said they would, I haven’t finished and I have posted my letter to have my say.
I have been ready for the weekend and had a good day with my friends downstairs.
Oh lovely!
Thank you. 🙂
I found something for you by googling “relentless optimism,” which is actually a book (gak)…
https://www.thecut.com/2016/09/do-we-force-optimism-on-cancer-patients-who-dont-want-it.html
Cool – thank you!
My week was a downer. Lot of sad memories resurfaced to plague me 🙁
I hope next week will be a little easier. 💕
Interesting that this link appears so underresearched. Not that it’s particularly surprising though as positivity is so obviously overrated.
I hope things with your best friend can improve. 🙂
Thanks.
And the articles that a couple of people suggested in the comments have led in some really interesting directions, so that’s helpful.