Optimism lowers stroke risk

Optimism isn't just the lack of anxiety or depression.  Someone who seeks help for either anxiety or depression might be lifted from a negative 10 or so on a scale back to zero, or neutral.  Optimism can bring you back to positive numbers.  The possible stroke protection lengthens the list of health benefits tied to being optimistic. 

Previous studies have found more optimistic people have a healthier immune system, faster wound healing, a lower risk of heart disease and other benefits.