Pessimism is associated with anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, hostility, high blood pressure, heart disease, and lifestyle or behavior choices that can damage one's overall health and well-being.
Besides taking a toll on their mental health, their physical health may take a beating, too.
At the same time, pessimists sometimes make better leaders, mainly when there is a need to ignite social change.
Moreover, their skepticism may make them more resistant to propaganda and false advertising.
The degree of pessimism an individual or group feels can often be linked to political and economic conditions in their personal lives and society.