A positive mindset and illness

[istheheatingonyet]

Can it help? Where do we find it and is it OK just to be sad and in pain I wonder.

Yes it absolutely can help ! Of course it is okay to be sad and in pain, but it soon gets very miserable if you are permanently sad.

You can experience great sadness and still find joy and positivity in things, it doesn't have to be one or the other. I think it's about finding a balance - acknowledging that things are hard right now, but being intentional about looking for the positives.

"being intentional" is a great phrase.

There's this research, but it mostly seems to say that a positive mindset can lead to better actions regarding health. It's always with looking at words such as "can", "might" and looking at what "linked to" actually means, as well as study size, etc.

I realise that this might not be exactly what you're asking.

@Baileysandcream's interpretation is helpful.

I don't find it easy to be positive when in pain but am more conscious and grateful when not so.

https://www.hcf.com.au/health-agenda/body-mind/mental-health/positive-thinking#:~:text=An%20optimistic%20frame%20of%20mind,of%20all%2Dcause%20mortality.”

That should be "worth, not "with".