by Dr. Robert L. Smith
Sources of toxicity in our society are often a frequent topic of interest and conversation.
Toxicity is generally defined as “something poisonous or harmful”. Today toxicity is usually
talked about in the context of blaming certain people and institutions such as the media. This
article will be addressing toxicity in the emotional, psychological and behavioral context.
Often, the label of toxicity is experienced differently in different people. Brains and nervous
systems may react differently to the same perceived toxic stimuli. We can also quantify toxicity
in the “dosage” or amount as we do in exposure to chemical poisons. The more exposure to a
perceived toxic stimulus the higher the dosage for damage and potential for harm.
How might a person distinguish between toxic or nontoxic (safe)? There are many sources of
toxicity in our society. The individual’s past and current experience of life and an individual’s
brain and nervous system can determine whether something or someone is toxic or not. Some
brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to adverse stimuli. Emotional, psychological
and behavioral toxicity is evident when a person is feeling a negative emotional reaction such
as uneasiness in a specific situation or environment. We can determine the amount of toxicity
exposure by using our gut as our gauge. We will not be able to avoid all toxicity in life and our
environments. Toxic labels have become associated with some television, print, social media,
politics, religious beliefs and some other controversial social issues. These are some obvious
examples of areas where someone might encounter toxicity and want to limit their exposure.
Essentially, toxic stimuli is everywhere and is often very subtle.
A person should first assess social situations where they engage with others. Toxicity can be
found in families, social groups, workplaces and literally everywhere. What people and
situations in our families, workplace or social group make us uncomfortable or even slightly
awkward? It is important for everyone to determine which people and situations generate even
the slightest negative feelings in us. For example, we may feel awkward when certain people
are talking about controversial issues. In this situation, the topic is not as important as the
tension caused by the intolerance of disagreement we experience today. More often, people
seem less able to tolerate a difference of opinion in another person. Divisiveness and
polarization are often the norm in many of today’s environments.
These issues that generate disagreement and angst in our society are obvious. We should also
look closely at subtle sources of toxicity. These subtle toxins can be less poisonous but small
exposures to these toxins can quickly add up. “Small doses” of negativity can quickly add up
to a larger toxic dose. For example, these smaller dosages often involve the inability to set
proper, heathy boundaries with others. In other words, the ability to say no to another person
or to an uncomfortable situation can become mastered. Today’s world can ask much more
from people than in the past. We may need to reevaluate responding to a post on social media
or saying no to working longer. We currently have a vast amount of stimulation that requires us
to react to or respond. Many say parenting today is much harder because of the higher
increase in stimulation or information that can affect our children. Toxicity is everywhere,
especially in small doses that can be missed. These toxic exposures quickly add up.
How do we move through the world and become intentional in avoiding toxicity? Prevention
can be an important starting point. Smoke inhalation is a good metaphor for the purpose of
this discussion. First, we do things in our lives to prevent “smoke” like being mindful, of the
things that may start a fire. Next, when we encounter smoke, we get out of the environment to
avoid a larger, more harmful dose. We should first be aware of how we are feeling about a given situation or certain people. Does engaging the situation or interacting with some people
feel (in any way) awkward or disturbing? Avoidance is the intervention that can be used in this
situation. For example, staying away from an environment with a toxic friend or relative. This is
not unhealthy but is setting good boundaries with people and situations. We will find
improvement in these skills as we practice them. Don’t expect to master setting boundaries
quickly, it will take time to master.
Finally, avoiding negativity in all environments is essential. These areas include television, print
and social media as well as negative people and discussions that we might be a part of.
Resiliency attitudes and behaviors can increase our resistance to toxicity. Try to get larger
doses of people and situations that bring joy, help and support in taking care of ourselves.
These examples and interventions are the preventative medicines for toxicity and promote
good behavioral health.
Dr. Robert Smith, Ph.D. Copyright 2024
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