Cruel Optimism
In a world brimming with uncertainties and challenges, the allure of optimism is undeniable, the hint of a better way is easily followed with the appeal of a solution. When optimism morphs into a form of cruel optimism, it’s effects can be damaging, both to individual mental health and society at large.
Cruel optimism, a term coined by cultural theorist Lauren Berlant, describes the attachment to unrealistic or unattainable optimism that ultimately proves detrimental. It stems from a belief in the possibility of a better future, even in the face of persistent evidence to the contrary. At a gym a few years ago I heard a gym instructor saying to a guy “sure going for a run will solve all your mental health problems”, this is an ideal example of Cruel Optimism. Solving mental health problems is more complex and nonlinear than just going for a run. Other examples include:
Picture-Perfect Lives: Social media platforms often present a curated version of people's lives, showcasing their highlights and achievements. This can create a cruel expectation that everyone's life should be picture-perfect, leading individuals to compare themselves and feel inadequate if their own lives don't measure up. The constant exposure to others' seemingly flawless lives can contribute to feelings of envy, self-doubt, and a distorted perception of reality, coming from a perspective that has an optimism that is unrealistic.
Influencer Culture and Materialism: The rise of influencer culture on social media has fostered a cruel expectation that success and happiness are tied to material possessions and a luxurious lifestyle. The constant promotion of products, designer brands, and lavish experiences can create an unrealistic desire for material wealth, leading individuals to feel dissatisfied with their own lives and constantly striving for more, often at the expense of their mental well-being.
These examples highlight how social media can perpetuate cruel expectations, leading to negative impacts on individuals' mental health and overall sense of self. It is important to maintain a critical perspective, engage in mindful social media use, and prioritize genuine connections and self-acceptance over seeking validation from the virtual world. But we can all slip into a type of cruel optimism by being unaware of what we are doing.
Cruel Optimism in Mental Health
Imagine a caring individual notices that their friend has been displaying symptoms of depression. Wanting to provide support, they engage in a conversation with their friend, hoping to offer comfort and understanding.
They tell their friend, "Just think positive and focus on happy thoughts. You'll get through this and find happiness again. It's all about having the right mindset." In their well-intentioned advice, they overlook the complexities of depression and the multitude of factors that contribute to its onset and persistence.
In emphasizing the power of positive thinking alone, they inadvertently suggest that their friend's depression is solely within their control and that their struggles are a result of their mindset or attitude. By doing so, they unintentionally dismiss the gravity of their friend's experience and perpetuate the misconception that depression can be conquered through sheer willpower or a positive outlook.
Instead, a more empathetic approach would involve acknowledging the challenges of depression and encouraging their friend to seek professional help, such as therapy or counselling, while emphasizing ongoing support. They can remind their friend that healing takes time, and that a combination of strategies tailored to their specific needs may be necessary.
By avoiding the trap of cruel optimism, they show compassion and understanding towards their friend's experience, validating the severity of depression and the importance of seeking appropriate help. They recognize that supporting someone with depression requires active listening, education, and the willingness to offer guidance without oversimplifying or downplaying their experiences.
Creating an environment of genuine support and understanding helps individuals with depression navigate their journey towards healing and well-being. It also contributes to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, ensuring that those in need receive the understanding and resources they deserve.
Cruel optimism in Companies creating wellbeing workplace initiatives.
Companies can inadvertently fall into the trap of cruel optimism when implementing mental well-being initiatives or creating a supportive work environment. Here are some ways this can happen:
1. Superficial Solutions: A company may introduce well-being programs or initiatives without fully understanding the root causes of mental health issues in the workplace. They might offer superficial solutions such as occasional yoga classes or mindfulness workshops, assuming these alone will solve deep-seated problems. This form of cruel optimism disregards the complexity of mental health and fails to address underlying systemic issues that contribute to employee stress and burnout.
2. Lack of Follow-Through: Initiating mental well-being initiatives without ensuring long-term commitment and follow-through can lead to a sense of cruel optimism. Companies may launch programs with enthusiasm but fail to sustain them over time, resulting in a loss of trust and credibility. Employees may perceive such efforts as mere token gestures, exacerbating feelings of disillusionment and disengagement.
3. Overemphasis on Self-Responsibility: While promoting self-care and personal responsibility for mental health is important, companies can fall into the trap of cruel optimism by placing the burden solely on individual employees. If organizations fail to address systemic factors like heavy workloads, unrealistic expectations, or a lack of work-life balance, employees may feel that their mental health struggles are their own fault. This can lead to increased stress, guilt, and a sense of inadequacy.
To avoid falling into the trap of cruel optimism, companies should take a comprehensive approach to mental well-being initiatives. This includes conducting regular as employees and workplace stressors, fostering open communication, training managers on mental health awareness and support, providing accessible resources for employees, and integrating mental health considerations into broader organizational policies and practices. By prioritizing a holistic and sustainable approach, companies can create a work environment that genuinely supports employee mental well-being.
Conclusion
With mental health and mental health initiatives there needs to be understanding first and foremost. Understanding the person, understanding what an evidence-based approach is, understanding what the theory indicates, and understanding the environment past, present, and future are ways to understand mental health. When companies and individuals show an interest in mental health it must be followed quickly by an understanding and being comprehensive, otherwise its doomed to fail. When supporting an individual who may be going through a bad patch, they need understanding not a quick ad hoc solution. When companies want to create workplace initiatives creating quick ad hoc solutions will more than likely fall into the trap of cruel optimism.