Disappointing Affirmations by Dave Tarnowski: Tackling Mental Health Realistically

Dave Tarnowski, the creator of the Instagram account @DisappointingAffirmations, is tired of the endless stream of rainbows-and-butterflies, everything-is-going-to-be-okay mantras that flood our social media feeds. But don’t get it wrong – his account wasn’t created to bring people down. On the contrary, it aims to depict struggles with mental health in a raw and authentic way.

More: Instagram

For Dave, many of the disappointing affirmations he posts show those who may not understand what it’s like to struggle with mental health just how ludicrous some of the things they say can be. For example, telling someone to stop crying when they are already in tears. He wants to point out that we all have emotions, and we shouldn’t have to pretend otherwise. It’s better to deal with them honestly than to be overwhelmed with “positive vibes only” nonsense all day.

Dave’s Instagram account has gained a following for its refreshing take on mental health, which many people have found relatable and comforting. By acknowledging the struggles that come with mental health and offering a realistic perspective, he’s created a space for people to feel seen and heard.