You might have learned not to give up and to do your best with hope. Hope has been highlighted as one of the characteristics of positivity, and you may have had experiences where hope has helped you, whether in insignificant or small ways. But how? How has hope been able to help us? The fact is that there are biological factors of hope that can create a healthier society, whether it’s in positive or negative states.
Serotonin, one of the key factors of hope, can empower mental health and intensify happiness in a society (Dasgupta). This is important because happiness is one of the basic human rights and can help create a more livable world. If you have an ideal amount of serotonin in your brain, you will feel more happiness (“Serotonin: What Is It, Function & Levels”). And it can be increased without using drugs, simply by changing your thoughts or habits (Young). For example, showing more gratitude to others can enhance your serotonin levels (“Giving thanks can make you happier”). This impact of serotonin is significant because happiness can help combat depression, a common social issue worldwide. While the WHO describes depression as a mental health condition characterized by a loss of joy (“Depressive disorder”), happiness has a direct connection to mental health (“Mental Health and Relationships ‘Key to Happiness.’”). Moreover, happiness is one of the fundamental rights that people should possess according to the South Korean Constitution (“Chapter 10 amendments to the constitution, article 1”), meaning serotonin has the power to enhance a human right explicitly mentioned in the constitution. Therefore, if individuals begin to embrace hope and maintain normal serotonin levels, society could become “…healthier, more productive, and more peaceful” (“International Day of Happiness”).
Norepinephrine, another factor of hope, equips us with optimism when challenges approach. This can lead to beautiful and significant social developments. Norepinephrine helps us maintain positivity in the face of obstacles (Dasgupta). This is crucial because “nothing grows in negativity, but nothing is impossible in positivity.” Research from Yonsei University shows that negative self-talk can harm us (Kim). Negative thoughts such as “I can’t do this…” can contribute to depression or anxiety (“Constantly Down on Yourself? How To Stop Negative Self-Talk”). However, cultivating positive self-talk, even in difficult situations, motivates us to accomplish our goals (Kim).
Historical examples illustrate the power of positivity during adversity. In early America, even though people were not treated equally, they upheld the belief that “all men are created equal” in the Declaration of Independence (Early). This declaration became “the beacon of the world” for strengthening human rights (Edel). For instance, Martin Luther King Jr. drew on quotes from the Declaration of Independence during his fight for civil rights (King). Would equality have been achieved if people had given up when faced with obstacles? Probably not. Another example is the effort of Nelson Mandela in South Africa. In his book, he acknowledged that there would be “no easy walk to freedom” (Mandela). However, instead of giving up, he ultimately brought peace to a country previously torn by racism (“Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace.”). If Mandela had given up because the path was difficult, these changes would have been impossible. These examples emphasize why we need hopefulness to confront challenges, and norepinephrine plays a vital role in helping us face those obstacles.
Hope might seem unrealistic, and some might think that optimism accomplishes nothing. However, that is not true. Society needs hope. If a little hope from each individual comes together, our society can become a brighter place to live.
Works Cited
“Constantly Down on Yourself? How To Stop Negative Self-Talk.” Cleveland Clinic, 26 Sep. 2022, health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-negative-self-talk-and-how-to-change-it
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“Depressive Disorder (Depression).” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, Mar. 2023, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression.
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Kim, Junhyung, et al. “The effects of positive or negative self-talk on the alteration of brain functional connectivity by performing cognitive tasks.” Scientific Reports, vol. 11, no. 1, 21 July 2021, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-94328-9.
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Mandela, Nelson. No Easy Walk to Freedom.
“Mental Health and Relationships ‘Key to Happiness.’” British Broadcasting Corporation, 12 Dec. 2016, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-38285223. Accessed Nov. 2024.
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Young, Simon. “How to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs.” Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, 2007, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2077351/.
By. Hangyul Park