Benefits of Optimism for Mental Health – World Mental Health Day

Why does it matter if you perceive the glass to be half empty or half full? Why is it important for us all to be on the lookout for the silver lining? Is being a realist a good thing, or we all must get drunk on hope?

Optimism: there is more to it.

Optimism is an extremely nuanced emotion. We tend not to realize the role that it plays around in our life.

Essentially, optimism is the expectation of a good outcome in life. It is therefore not only important for our daily life, whereby it helps us with work and relationships, but optimism plays an integral role in our personality.

Being optimistic is also a state of mind. It involves channeling positive emotion, which in turn, helps in curbing stress and anxiety in the body as well. However, in cases of crippling stress, simply thinking happy thoughts will not suffice; it is also vital to consult a Psychologist in Lahore.

Benefits of optimism

Improved mental health

Stress wreaks havoc on our mental health. It also paves way for other mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

Optimism, on the other hand, helps in preventing stress. It helps people deal better with the negative experiences, and grow, since they have perceived setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Similarly, optimism also makes people have a better disposition. Unlike their cynical counterparts, they offer hope and positivity to the people, which then also helps them forge good social relationships. As humans are social animals, therefore, having better relationships is good for mental health as well.

Better physical health

Our physical health also has implications for our mental health. People who suffer from physical ailments also tend to have mental health issues as well.

Since optimistic people are more likely to be healthy, have reduced risk of cardiovascular problems and are more likely to survive cancer, they also then have better mental health as well. 

Healthier notions about self

Optimistic people are less likely to dwell in self-doubt. They do not wallow in self-hate but view everything as having and serving a purpose.

Better chances at success

Another benefit of optimism is that it helps people in persevering. When you see good in every situation, are not deterred by storms, and remain steadfast in face of adversity, thanks to your optimistic outlook, you are more likely to attain success.

Similarly, people who are optimistic are more likely to have better energy, especially when doing team sports. This thus leads to greater chances of success.

According to research, people who are pessimistic, and are also led to believe they will fail, they actualize the reality that they envision, and fail as a result. On the contrary, optimistic people are not vulnerable to the negative emotions, and thus have better chances of success.

Reduced suicidal thoughts

There are many symptoms of suicide, but people who are depressed have higher propensity towards suicide. Optimism, on the other hand, enjoys an inverse relationship with suicide.

Those who are hopeful about the future are less likely to have suicide ideation.

Reduced symptoms of depression

People who are pessimistic are more likely to get overwhelmed by the thought of future. Due to the bleak prospect of future that they harbor, they are then more likely to suffer from depressive thoughts.

Similarly, pessimistic people are more likely to have problems with their social life, alongside anxiety about the future.

Better prognosis

Cognitive therapy helps in reorienting our thought processes. It is also an effective tool dispensed by experts like top Psychologist in Islamabad for the treatment of depression. People who are optimists respond better to cognitive therapy. Moreover, CBT also is effective for dealing with future setbacks as well.