Here we go... it's the last Emptywheel Friday episode before this election finally comes to a close. I've been struggling with awful anxiety for the last couple of weeks and have been off the air much of this week due to that. Another reason to be grateful for Marcy Wheeler's friendship and brilliance... Find and support Marcy's work at emptywheel.net. And you can always find me at nicolesandler.com

I'm doing my best to dig out of the anxiety that's sidelined me for the past few days. Today, we'll share some encouraging words from one of my favorite OG bloggers, the inimitable Driftglass (who's also celebrating a birthday this week!!) Read Driftglass at driftglass.blogspot.com, and hear him and his wife BlueGal Fran on the Professional Left Podcast too!

You know what TFN stands for at this point, right? It's The Fucking News. It just doesn't stop. And it's the cause of the giant pit in my stomach right now that has had me feeling nauseated and unable to function most of the time these days. If you've been listening to this show for a while, you may remember the effect the 2016 election had on my mind, soul and being. When TFG was declared winner, that sickness permeated every inch of my body and psyche and wreaked havoc on me for four long years. I'm not a medical professional, but my best description of what happened to me was a total breakdown. Somehow I managed to mostly go through the motions and keep this show going, but it was not easy. And it was not fun. I've struggled with depression since adolescence, but the stress and anxiety that's ravaged my mind and body thanks to that orange narcissistic fascist is really taking a toll on me. I'll do my best to muddle through... but please know that if I'm off the air at all this week, that's why. I know it's not rational. NOTHING about him is rational. This is opposite world on steroids. I believe we'll be ok. I believe he will lose and that GOOD will triumph over evil. Unfortunately, none of those rational beliefs are doing a good job of alleviating what's happening in my head. But I'll keep trying to battle those demons -- in real life, in my mind and all over the fucking internet and tv. I'll share a few things that should help (and do, albeit temporarily). And we'll check in with Jonathan Larsen of TheFuckingNews.substack.com as we do each Monday.... And if you're feeling as I am, please know you're not alone. But we will survive. And we will win.