Columns

Trump in some of his speeches has said, "Don't telegraph your intentions to the enemy." And he is true to his word. The American people do not know what he is about to do, either because it is kept secret or because Trump, himself, doesn't know. We do in fact know that we can never predict his actions, and we also know that he should not be underestimated--there are plenty of tricks up his sleeves. 

On the other hand, Biden is handicapped by outmoded ideas of doing things that are fair and honest. This is politically a disadvantage. To counter this disadvantage, all Biden needs to do is say this to voters: "Ask yourself, are things better than they were four years ago?" This is the very same question that Reagan used in his contest against incumbent, Jimmy Carter. And this was a highly effective line. (I would have preferred Carter, but that is beside the point.) 

If and when Trump is reelected (through some highly effective and bizarre manipulation and outright rigging), what will befall people with mental illness? We do not know. We could expect that things will be worse. He ventured the idea of re-institutionalizing us. He referred to us as "monsters." 

When Trump is reelected, he will no longer be obligated to please anyone, and his power will be unchecked. In the past four years, his goal has been to gut the nation of its system of checks and balances, that in the past, hindered his abuse of power. Trump accomplished this by knuckling down on anyone willing to stand up to him and forcing them out of their jobs. The only ones left are those who will obey unquestioningly. 

After reelection, we enter Phase 2. This is where things will become radically worse. What will happen to mentally ill? I don't want to provide any ideas. 

How and why does the above affect mentally ill people? In part because we could be looking at cuts to Social Security, job training, and Housing benefits. And it is possible that Trump will try to re-institutionalize some mentally ill people. Additionally, the trend is toward a society of increasing intolerance. This means that many people will feel there is a green light to behave abusively toward those with disabilities. 

If Biden is elected, things will still be difficult, in large part because it will be his job to clean up the unholy mess Trump has created. In fact, the nature and temperament of the U.S. is changed for the foreseeable future. Things may never be as normal as they once were. Trump has opened Pandora's Box, and the toothpaste cannot be put back into the tube. 

For mentally ill people, we should prepare for difficult times whether Trump or Biden wins. The principle of adherence to treatment is still valid--more so than it ever was. We can look forward to things being uncomfortable at best, and at worst, don't think about it. 

After we have cast our votes, I advise mentally ill people to take steps to better our situations. This could include a broad range of possibilities. An example is the creation of a realistic employment goal. If you can find something that is low-key and part-time, this is far more doable than something where the expectations are high. Employment would put money in your pocket, and this is a resource. I, myself have been looking into this. I've produced a resume, but I haven't yet reached the point of applying for jobs. 

If you are too disabled to work, and this is perfectly valid and does not indicate that you are an unworthy person, then it would be a good idea to look into ways your monthly budget can be honed to a more perfect condition. 

Above all, we should trust that things will work out. This doesn't relieve you of doing what is necessary. Yet it does mean that if you take those steps of which you are capable, the universe will probably meet you halfway.