Pessimism is a consistently negative attitude that can lead to depression and may be linked to heart disease. It can be changed through therapy or self-help methods to develop a more positive outlook on life.
A pessimist is a person who harbors a consistently negative attitude, expecting the worst in people and situations. This outlook persists regardless of facts or circumstances that might indicate a more balanced or positive reality. He or she refers to the “glass as half empty,” ignoring the fact that the glass is also half full. This type of person usually believes that the world is pretty bad and that it’s getting bleaker.
Pessimism is a character trait, while depression is a clinical disease. In some cases, both pessimism and depression may be present, and it may be possible that a consistently negative attitude could lead to depression. In terms of treatment, this type of person suffers from a negative thinking habit that can be voluntarily changed through treatments such as psychotherapy. Persistent depression, on the other hand, is linked to reduced serotonin levels and typically requires medication.
For some people, a pessimistic attitude serves as a source of sardonic humor and could even be a coping mechanism. People who fall into this category may feel that they are actually pushing away negativity by preparing for the worst. “If you are continually expecting the worst, you are prone to be pleasantly surprised a lot. If you always expect the best, you may be disappointed often.” This may be reasonable logic for some people.
Some researchers believe, however, that this negative attitude can adversely affect his health. Studies conducted in the Netherlands between 1995 and 2001 suggest a possible link between pessimism and heart disease. The studies, published in The Archives of General Psychiatry, followed more than 900 Dutch citizens aged between 65 and 85 over a six-year period. Each participant was ranked on an optimism and pessimism scale. The study found that 30.4% of optimistic participants died during the study period, compared to 56.5% of pessimistic participants. While factors such as diet and smoking were taken into consideration, it should be noted that participants were not screened for depression.
Whether or not there is a link to heart disease, it has been widely accepted that a positive attitude is certainly helpful in life. If being a pessimist doesn’t shorten life, being an optimist will probably make it more enjoyable.
Virtually anyone harboring a habitually negative temper can transform from a pessimist to a more positive person with time and effort. Psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person change their thinking habits. If the cost of therapy is prohibitive, a more cost-effective method might be to seek out self-help books that teach you how to recognize negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones. Local classes and workshops might also help. With practice and diligence, positive thinking can often become a habit.
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