Pantsuits Helping Pantsuits
Yesterday my husband and I spent three hours walking around our neighborhood canvassing for Hillary Clinton. Some people wanted to talk to us, others didn’t but as we walked down side walks, hopped up front steps, knocked on doors, and introduced ourselves as Hillary supporters, I could not help but feel excited about helping elect the first female president. And this excitement was actually kind of new. While I have supported Hillary since she was declared the democratic nominee, listening to Trump’s hate filled rhetoric and witnessing the fervor and violence his bigotry incites in his supporters almost irreparably diluted my enthusiasm. But it is more than that — I wasn’t excited because I’m frightened.
I have bipolar disorder and this election — for those with diagnosed mental illnesses and for those without — has triggered overwhelming levels of stress. Never before has an election given me panic attacks. As a Jewish woman with a mental illness, as a survivor of sexual assault, as a member of the queer community, as an educator, as a disability rights advocate, and as a social justice minded human being, I am well aware that this election comes with potentially dangerous consequences. And as November 8th has grown closer, managing my mental illness and my anxiety has required increased medication and more frequent visits to my therapist. Because again, like so many people I’m not just anxious, I’m also scared. But yesterday as I walked alongside my husband, carrying a clipboard and polling information, I breathed deeply and steadied myself. I reminded myself that I am strong, that I can do my part to improve the world, that I have hope. And that I have faith that people will do the right thing and cast their ballot for Hillary tomorrow.
Today I am still coping with my anxiety but I am also excited because tomorrow I am putting on my pantsuit and helping put a woman in the White House. WE can put a woman in the White House. Wow. Tomorrow we are going to make history by committing to build a better future #imwithher
