Don't be afraid to challenge the person being toxically positive. While challenging this type of response can be uncomfortable, confronting the person's approach provides them the opportunity to grow. This can be especially helpful if facing toxic positivity at work, helping leaders evaluate the impact of their statements and actions. Passmore HA, Howell AJ, Holder MD. Positioning implicit theories of well-being within a positivity framework. J Happiness Studies. 2018;19:2445-2463. doi:10.1007/s10902-017-9934-2 It avoids authentic human emotion: Toxic positivity functions as an avoidance mechanism. When people engage in this type of behavior, it allows them to sidestep emotional situations that make them feel uncomfortable. Sometimes we turn these same ideas on ourselves, internalizing them. When we feel difficult emotions, we then discount, dismiss, and deny them. Outside of hippies, good vibes is associated, and to some extent used by, people who are part of New Age, surf, and bohemian culture. Popular media often uses the phrase in reference to these subcultures (e.g., travel-writing about a great surfing beach to soak up the vibes).

Ford BQ, Lam P, John OP, Mauss IB. The psychological health benefits of accepting negative emotions and thoughts: laboratory, diary, and longitudinal evidence. J Pers Soc Psychol. 2018;115(6):1075-1092. doi:10.1037/pspp0000157 It's shaming: Receiving toxic positivity can lead to feelings of shame. It tells people that the emotions they are feeling are unacceptable.When someone is suffering, they need to know that their emotions are valid and that they can find relief and love in their friends and family.Know that it’s okay to feel more than one thing. If you are facing a challenge, it’s possible to feel nervous about the future and, at the same time, hopeful that you will succeed. Your emotions can be as complex as the situation itself. It causes guilt: Being toxically positive can also cause feelings of guilt. It sends a message that if you aren't finding a way to feel positive—even in the face of tragedy—you are doing something wrong. Be realistic about what you feel. When facing a difficult situation, it’s normal to feel stressed, worried, or even fearful. Don’t expect too much from yourself. Practice self-care and work on taking steps that can help improve your situation. Notice how you feel. Following “positive” social media accounts can sometimes serve as a source of inspiration but pay attention to how you feel after you view and interact with such content. If you are left with a sense of shame or guilt after seeing “uplifting” posts, it might be due to toxic positivity. In such cases, consider limiting your social media consumption.

Fischer AH. Comment: the emotional basis of toxic affect. Emot Rev. 2018;10(1):57-58. doi:10.1177/1754073917719327

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Motivational graphics memes as well as clothing and merchandise feature the phrase good vibes, and the hashtags “#goodvibes” and “#goodvibesonly” (i.e., negative attitudes are not welcome) are popular on social media.