In September 2017, I finally felt strong enough to go public with my struggles with depression. After a very challenging 4 years of struggling through the darkest and longest period I had ever experienced, I was at a point where I could share a bit of what the journey was like for me.
Following that bout, I was intent on developing strategies that would allow me to recognize when I was sliding earlier, and hopefully intervene earlier, before hitting rock bottom.
This summer..., I saw the signs. I reached out to my support network, and my doctor and I began working together again, adjusting medication etc. The work that we did in the summer gave me the confidence to be able to make the decision to put my name forward to be the NDP Candidate for Calgary-Acadia.
As I look ahead to the coming election campaign of 2019, I no longer have the confidence that I can give the 100% of me that will be needed. Many think that this will be the nastiest, most bitter campaign in Alberta history, and I don’t disagree.
I am no longer confident that I can be the candidate nor the MLA people deserve. The last several months have already been a very hard struggle with encroaching depression. As such, I have decided to step down as the NDP Candidate for Calgary-Acadia.
We seem to be at an incredibly divisive time in our province. Stoked by the success of populist rhetoric not only from south of the border, but also from other regions in Canada, we see some politicians deepening tribalism and rage for their own personal and political gain. And yes, this is only about their personal gain, nothing more. It does absolutely nothing to build community and society. Ripping the fabric of an inclusive society, rejecting the idea of working together for the good of all, does nothing to grow the tapestry that is Alberta and Canada; it only leaves us all in tatters. This is not leadership!
We must each throw aside the divisiveness and invective, and enter into a conversation. That conversation needs to be founded in empathy, with a strong desire for understanding. Listen to the fears and concerns that run below the invective and hate. Let’s find a way to share hope, joy, and love with each other. We can’t wait for someone else to do it. We must start with ourselves and then demand it of our leaders.
I wish everyone all the best for 2019. As for me, I will continue to try to do my best.