4 Reasons ‘Just Stay Positive!’ Is the Worst ADHD Advice (and What to Say Instead)

Toxic Positivity & ADHD: Like Oil and a Grease Fire

You ever meet one of these good vibes-only people? You tell them you're struggling, and they hit you with:
"Just stay positive!"
Oh, stay positive? My brain is over here playing musical chairs with my thoughts, and you're giving me fortune cookie advice? Next, you’ll tell me to manifest executive function!

🚨 Why Toxic Positivity & ADHD Go Together Like a Rabbi and a Bacon Cheeseburger:

1. It Pretends ADHD is a Choice

   • You ever hear, "You just need to focus!" Oh, what a concept! Focus! Why didn’t I think of that? Hold on, let me check my focus button—oh, right! I DON’T HAVE ONE.

2. It Makes You Fake It

   • ADHD masking is like putting lipstick on a brisket and calling it a supermodel. I smile, nod, pretend I’m fine—meanwhile, I’ve got 14 unread texts, 3 missed appointments, and a grocery list that hasn’t been touched since Hanukkah.

3. It Triggers the ADHD Shame Spiral

   • ADHD already makes you feel like a broken GPS—"Recalculating… Recalculating… You know what? Just live here now." Then along comes some toxic positivity guru telling me, "It’s all about mindset!" Oh, mindset? If mindset could fix this, I wouldn’t have tried to butter my toast with deodorant this morning.

4. It’s just plain RUDE

   • I mean…. REALLY! I’m a transplanted New Yorker and I’m not even THAT insensitive!

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🛡 How to Fight Toxic Positivity Without Kvetching Too Much: