[omofca]

Even though I suffer from depression, is it possible for me to be optimistic? I'm just wondering because I know it helps to have an optimistic attitude towards the obstacles of life, but I don't know if depression would supersede attempts at optimism and any lasting optimism. Anybody?

[BumbleHero]

I would believe so. I am optimistic. I have atypical depression.

[healingme4me]

Originally Posted by omofca

Even though I suffer from depression, is it possible for me to be optimistic? I'm just wondering because I know it helps to have an optimistic attitude towards the obstacles of life, but I don't know if depression would supersede attempts at optimism and any lasting optimism. Anybody?

op·ti·mism
ˈäptəˌmizəm/
noun

noun: optimism

1. 1.
   hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.
   
   "the talks had been amicable, and there were grounds for optimism"
   synonyms:hopefulness, hope, confidence, buoyancy, cheer, cheerfulness, good cheer, sanguineness, positiveness, positive attitude More"I wish I had your optimism"
   
   
   antonyms:pessimism
   
   
   
2. 2.
   Philosophy
   the doctrine, esp. as set forth by Leibniz, that this world is the best of all possible worlds.
   
   
   • the belief that good must
     
     
   
   

https://www.google.com/#q=optimism+definition
If you remove hopeful from the definition/synonym aspect of optimism, for semantics purposes, it could be possible to be in a depressed state, yet have confidence about the future or successful outcome of something.

Can one lack joy and still be content in life? Can one feel miserable, in pain but have confidence that this is the better world?

I feel, one can be depressed and be an optimistic styled person, yes.

[unfuntionablytired]

optimism is a choice so yea (: a diagnoses cant suppress your personal decisions. you either are or arent. optimism is a great quality.

[June55]

you can go back and forth between being optimistic and pessimistic.