Imagine you have everything you ever wanted. Imagine you are healthy, successful…finally happy.
Sounds too good to be true? Not according to Lucky Girl Syndrome, a trend on social media that promotes the practice of manifestation and positive thinking as a means of achieving one’s desires.
While this practice can benefit mental health and personal growth, it is important to recognize that it is not a guaranteed way to achieve success or fulfillment in life, especially for those struggling with mental health conditions like depression.
The Benefits of Manifestation and Positive Thinking
Lucky Girl Syndrome is a trend on social media platforms like TikTok that encourages people to repeat mantras and affirmations to attract things they want, such as luck, money, or love. The practice of manifestation and positive thinking is grounded in the idea that our thoughts and beliefs influence our actions and behaviors. By cultivating positive thoughts and beliefs, individuals can create a more optimistic and proactive mindset, which can help them navigate life challenges more effectively to achieve their desired reality.
Additionally, research has shown that positive thinking can benefit mental health, including reduced stress and anxiety levels, improved mood, and better coping mechanisms in difficult situations.
Caution of Lucky Girl Syndrome
While manifesting one’s desires through positive thinking can be appealing, it is important to recognize that Lucky Girl Syndrome may promote toxic optimism and delusion. The practice overlooks the role of external factors and systemic barriers, such as socioeconomic status and access to resources, that may hinder an individual’s ability to achieve their goals or lead them to overlook or minimize challenges and obstacles in their path.
But it’s not just about how those born with greater privileges can tap into abundance more easily – the belief that Lucky Girl affirmations are enough to hack into your thoughts and alter your mindset fails to consider the added challenge of those with not just systemic but mental health barriers. Such is the case with depression, a complex condition that often requires professional support and treatment, and it cannot be overcome through positive thinking or manifestation.
The notion that an individual’s reality is solely a product of their thoughts and beliefs can discount the experiences of those who may struggle with negative thought patterns and feelings of hopelessness, despite their best efforts to think positively.
Furthermore, toxic positivity, where individuals are encouraged to ignore negative emotions and focus solely on positive thinking, can harm anyone’s mental health.
Why Manifestation and Positive Thinking May Not Be Enough
While positive thinking and manifestation techniques can benefit mental health and personal growth, it is important to recognize that they are not a substitute for taking consistent action toward one’s goals.
Cultivating a positive mindset can help individuals navigate challenges and setbacks more effectively, but it is not a guaranteed path to happiness or fulfillment.
Instead, aiming for a healthy dose of positive thinking and working toward goals is ideal. By combining positive thinking with consistent action toward one’s goals, individuals can create a more balanced approach to achieving their desired outcomes.
Get Support Manifesting Your Goals
While Lucky Girl Syndrome and the practice of manifestation and positive thinking can be beneficial, it is important to recognize that they may not be enough for everyone. So, if cultivating a positive mindset is your goal for the future, know that it may take more support in the present – and that’s okay.
At Pacific Mind Health, we offer TMS Therapy to support individuals in achieving optimal mental well- being because we understand the importance of taking a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to mental health.
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression or other mental health conditions, don’t hesitate to contact us for compassionate, personalized care to help you achieve your mental health goals and start living a more fulfilling life!