The editorial was written for the introduction of The Wine Hour #22 with Rebecca Hopkins.

Uvalde.

Will this ever stop? It’s hard to fathom the unbearable pain of the victims’ parents, and the desperation of parents across the country. Will my children be safe? That level of anxiety is spread across the beacon of democracy that is the US. Anxiety at all levels, especially for some portion of society. The BIPOC and Asian community living under the threat of racial violence, LGBTQ+ under discrimination and violence, women under the stress of harassment or violence. That pressure is constant. So there is no surprise that the number of people with neurosis, depression, or breakdown is staggering. Mental health is an issue of the utmost importance. Not only in the American society but across the world.

The problem is that this pressure is ingrained in the way our societies have evolved and function. Even in the daily words we use. Take “Human Resources”. What is more common then that. Well, the problem is I am not a resource, you are not a resource. We are not something to be harvested. We are human beings, partners, colleagues. Companies have for too long viewed employees as resources, and I mean it in a negative way. When power is held by a portion of society and used to maintain and enhance that very position, we get into trouble. And if you happen to be on the wrong side of that divide, you guessed it the impact is immense.

So what can we do? Changing the system will take years. In the meantime, if you happen to be in such a situation, reach out. Reach out to organizations like A Balanced Glass. Reach out to activists, reach out for help, because the worse that can happen is to feel isolated, dealing with these issues on your own. Don’t be afraid. There is no shame in asking for help. Be kind to yourself.