Pushing back at a culture of relentless ‘toxic positivity'

Disappointing affirmations challenge toxic positivity #

Whether it’s in yoga studios or social media posts, positive affirmations encouraging people to live their best lives are everywhere. However, mental health advocate Dave Tarnowski believes this is a form of “toxic positivity” that ignores negative emotions. Tarnowski, who launched the Disappointing Affirmations Instagram account, has gained over 2 million followers by pairing pictures of serene landscapes with unconventional sayings. By embracing the idea that it’s okay not to be okay, Tarnowski hopes to offer a different perspective on mental health challenges. His Disappointing Affirmations book expands on these concepts, providing humor and relatability for those who struggle with unrealistic positivity.