Optimism Is Healthy Researchers have spent a lot of time studying people who think positively. It turns out that an optimistic attitude helps us be happier, more successful, and healthier. Optimism can protect against depression — even for people who are at risk for it.

While optimism is a healthy attribute, being overly optimistic in the face of adversity can be toxic and negatively influence your emotional wellness.

Pessimism is not a mental illness, but a personality trait in which someone has a more negative—or some might say, realistic—view of life. A pessimist usually expects unfavorable outcomes and is suspicious when things seem to be going well. Pessimism is not a trait most people aspire to.

A pessimistic attitude isn't very hopeful, shows little optimism, and can be a downer for everyone else. To be pessimistic means you believe evil outweighs the good and that bad things are more likely to happen. So pessimistic people are usually pretty negative.