Self Forced Positivism

The concept of self-forced positivism has been popularized as the idea that one can choose to be positive, irrespective of their circumstances. It is believed that this will lead to increased happiness and overall well-being. However, research suggests that this approach might be causing higher rates of depression. Therefore, an alternative and possibly much better approach to self-forced positivism is to embrace accepting emotions.

Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people globally. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. According to the World Health Organization, depression is now the leading cause of disability worldwide, and the number of people affected is increasing.

One factor that might be contributing to the rise in depression rates is the pressure to be positive all the time. While positive thinking can be helpful in some situations, it is not a cure-all for all of life's problems. In fact, trying to force oneself to be positive all the time can be exhausting and can make one feel worse.

Research has shown that people who embrace accepting their emotions are more likely to experience positive outcomes. One study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who accept their negative thoughts are more likely to experience positive emotions and have better psychological health.

Another study published in the journal Emotion found that people who practice acceptance are more likely to experience positive emotions when confronted with difficult situations. The researchers found that people who are accepting tend to have realistic expectations, which leads to less disappointment and feelings of failure when things do not go as planned.

Despite the evidence that accepting emotions can contribute to better mental health, many people still believe that positivity is the key to happiness and well-being. This is partly due to the widespread promotion of positive thinking in popular culture, as well as the influence of social media, which often encourages people to present a happy and perfect image of themselves to the world.

In conclusion, while there is certainly value in trying to maintain a positive outlook on life, it is important to recognize that this is not always possible or desirable. Embracing accepting emotions is a healthier approach that recognizes both the positive and negative aspects of our experiences. By doing so, we can cultivate greater resilience and a greater sense of well-being.