We are fascinated by physical health and spend millions on all kinds of devices, seminars, gym memberships, surgeries, supplements - many of which have no added value - just to maintain or appear healthy in the eyes of others. 

We don't pay the same attention to mental health even though it is a basic human right. When it comes to this issue, there is a tradition of stigmatizing, condemning, and even calling those suffering from depression or anxiety "crazy." Much of this has to do with what certain religions imprinted on people up to 30 years ago, for example, through catechism (paragraphs 2280-83). 

On October 10th, we observe International Mental Health Day to draw attention to this wrongful behavior and to make people aware that we must protect and care for our mental health and not keep the topic hidden. We need to become aware and acknowledge that psychological imbalances, anxiety, unrealistic expectations, living beyond our means, alcohol and drug misuse, social exclusion, and loneliness negatively affect our mental health. 

Meanwhile, we continue to separate young children from their parents who have arrived on our island undocumented. They are sent to internment camps and, apparently, even given sedatives to stop them from crying for their mothers. How can so few people condemn this cruel act? Is this a Christian alliance? Shameful.