The Dangers of Toxic Postivity and Cardiovascular Disease

Scientific evidence proves the benefits of optimism in handling cardiovascular disease and all its challenges, complications, and lifestyle alterations. Although it is often difficult to tell the two apart, optimism differs from toxic positivity.

According to the article "Optimism vs. Toxic Positivity" by Sarah Korba, "the main difference between toxic positivity and optimism is that, unlike toxic positivity, sincere optimism is rooted in reality and lets us acknowledge and express both negative and positive emotions" (Korba, Pailhes and Pailhes, 2022). Furthermore, it is how "toxic positivity is a stubborn belief that people should always stay positive, no matter how dire or tragic the circumstances can be" (Korba, Pailhes and Pailhes, 2022). Unfortunately, this requirement of only positive thinking can be counterproductive to the health benefits it offers.

The article "An Underrecognized Epidemic: Toxic Positivity in Medicine" by Dr. Joshua Rossel further delved into the difference between toxic positivity and optimism and how it impacts mental health. "Optimism, when self-inspired, offers tremendous benefits for mental health." However, "conversely, optimism imposed by others has a pernicious effect on psychological well-being and reflects the polar opposite of compassion" (Russel, 2021). This is the balance when distinguishing optimism from toxic positivity. Maintaining a positive attitude can be beneficial, but projecting your own positive attitude onto others in an attempt to make them also share your positivity, especially if it is in the interest of your own well-being, is toxic.

However, it must be remembered that this can be done with good intentions, even with unintended consequences. This is because true optimism can have positive cardiovascular and generic health benefits. Many articles and studies have discussed this, including "The Protective Role of Positive Well-Being in Cardiovascular Disease: Review of Current Evidence, Mechanisms, and Clinical Implications" by Nancy L. Sin. She delves into how "positive psychological aspects of well-being -including positive emotions, optimism, and life satisfaction- are increasingly considered to have protective roles for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and longevity)" (Sin, 2016). While many studies have recently been done to reinforce this connection, there is a potential danger of constantly forcing oneself to be positive, which is as curative and effective as a masquerade mask becoming one's real face.

That is why, while optimism does have cardiovascular and health benefits, attempting to force those benefits by denying reality and one's genuine emotions can actually damage one's health and well-being even further.

This is incredibly tempting for people with cardiovascular disease. Those around you, friends, loved ones, and family might be made upset by a situation that is beyond your control. They, perhaps even you may see you as the source and, unfortunately, often can be considered to be the cause of such misfortune which was entirely beyond your control.

Thus, in this situation, it is tempting to pretend that you are healthy to put others around you at ease. This may even calm your own fears, tribulations, and anxieties. However, while this is well-intentioned and may even succeed for a while, it denies your own experience and the reality you face in the long run. There is strength in positivity and optimism, but not in denying the truth.

Experience your emotions, good and bad. Remember that optimism, from true peace and happiness with your own emotions, can further improve your mental and physical state. This is why optimism is ideal but not to the point of toxic positivity.

Be true to yourself for your own sake.

Reference List

Blachford, A. (2021). An Underrecognized Epidemic: Toxic Positivity in Medicine. [online] Journal of Urgent Care Medicine. Available at: https://www.jucm.com/an-underrecognized-epidemic-toxic-positivity-in-medicine/.

Korba, S., Pailhes, A. and Pailhes, S.K. & A. (2022). Toxic Positivity vs. Genuine Optimism. [online] Kyan Health. Available at: https://www.kyanhealth.com/toxic-positivity-vs-genuine-optimism/.

Sin, N.L. (2016). The Protective Role of Positive Well-Being in Cardiovascular Disease: Review of Current Evidence, Mechanisms, and Clinical Implications. Current Cardiology Reports, 18(11). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-016-0792-z.