Positivity is not denial nor deflection.
Many days are punctuated by people we work with who are having a not so positive moment, or day. We add to the negative experience with denial or deflection. We think we might be helpful with reassurances that things will improve, advice, suggesting they just forget about it, talk about people who have it worse, sympathetic victimhood or other forms of distraction.
What's helpful is realistic affirmation of the validity of their feelings and curiosity about any kind of change in their experience and world. When they become more focused, they will do their best.