Mental Health Crisis Rooted in Political Obsession
The mental health landscape in America is experiencing a noticeable shift, with therapists frequently reporting an increase in patients suffering from symptoms related to what some have termed “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” This phrase captures a growing phenomenon where the former president’s presence—through media exposure or social media interactions—triggers anxiety, sleeplessness, and feelings of trauma among certain individuals.
A therapist’s account highlights the severity of these symptoms: “I had one patient who couldn’t enjoy vacation because she saw Trump on her device or news and felt triggered.” Such comments underline a concerning trend where patients feel a consistent emotional disturbance connected to a political figure, indicating a deeper issue at play. “They can’t sleep. They feel traumatized by Mr. Trump,” the therapist continued. This psychological fallout suggests that the impact extends beyond typical political disagreements.
The Kaiser Family Foundation’s findings further illustrate the correlation between Trump’s presidency and increased public stress. Surveys indicate a rise in reported stress levels, from 44% in 2016 to over 63% by 2019, with many respondents attributing this anxiety to the overall political climate. One psychologist described this phenomenon: “This is a profound pathology. I would even go far as to say the defining pathology of our time.” Experts are increasingly using terms typically reserved for clinical conditions to discuss the emotional impact of political figures.
The debate among mental health professionals regarding the ethics of discussing Trump directly exposes a significant divide in the field. While the American Psychiatric Association emphasizes the importance of not diagnosing public figures without direct assessment, others, like Dr. John Gartner, argue that Trump’s behavior reflects mental health issues significant enough to warrant public discourse. Over 70,000 mental health practitioners have signed petitions advocating for his removal from office due to perceived instability, highlighting unresolved tensions within this debate.
As the term “Trump Derangement Syndrome” evolves, it takes on a unique role within the mental health community. Initially a phrase created by critics, it has now transformed into a description used by professionals to denote a neurosis distinctly related to the former president’s presence. Many Americans find themselves caught in an emotional cycle that disrupts their day-to-day lives, unable to separate their personal well-being from political turmoil.
High-profile figures, including Rosie O’Donnell, exemplify this pattern of fixation. O’Donnell’s long-standing animosity towards Trump showcases a widespread trend where individuals on all sides of the political spectrum are unable to escape the psychological grip of his public persona. Sustained exposure to Trump—whether through news, television, or social media—triggers distress among some patients, causing them to relive cycles of anxiety.
One clinician noted: “We’re seeing patients unable to detach from political content.” This inability to disengage from Trump-centric news feeds directly contributes to chronic emotional fatigue. The underlying issue of individuals internalizing perceived threats ties to their unique experiences with political media consumption, shaping their view of stability and safety.
Psychologists point to several psychological phenomena contributing to this widespread fixation. Confirmation bias plays a significant role, as individuals seek out information that affirms their fears. Emotional contagion accelerates the spread of negative feelings online, deepening societal anxiety. Additionally, parasocial relationships emerge, where individuals form intense attachments or aversions to public figures based on perceived connections made through media exposure.
As one therapist aptly stated, “Trump became more than a man—he became a screen on which people projected their fears.” This troubling observation highlights that the emotional disturbances created by political figures are increasingly impacting everyday life, with reports of panic attacks and strained relationships stemming from political engagement.
Even years after leaving office, Trump’s influence remains palpable, with mental health professionals noting a persistence of symptoms among patients. Media coverage of investigations, legal troubles, and ongoing political discourse continues to reignite feelings of distress. The emotional scars associated with his presidency have not faded and may have worsened over time.
The breakdown of civil discourse during Trump’s time in office complicates personal relationships, with studies indicating a notable decline in interactions across political lines. Families and friendships have been tested or even severed due to differing political views, revealing the deep personal impact of political identities.
This presents a dual challenge, not only for therapists dealing with the mental health fallout but also for lawmakers attempting to restore civic trust. A nation where images of a political figure trigger significant emotional responses is indicative of deeper societal issues regarding unity and resilience within democracy.
To address this crisis, mental health experts advocate for behavioral solutions like limiting social media exposure, stepping back from the news cycle, and practicing mindfulness. Techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) aim to help individuals regain control of their emotional responses and refocus on their well-being.
However, many professionals caution that the root causes of this crisis remain unaddressed. The societal fixation on Trump—whether through fervent admiration or intense aversion—signals a culture steeped in hyper-personalized politics. This unhealthy obsession is not simply a punchline; it indicates a society at risk of psychological burnout.
As one psychologist articulated, this ongoing fixation reveals profound implications for mental health: “When one man lives rent-free in your head for the better part of a decade, it’s not just politics. That’s a pathological attachment.” Understanding and addressing these dynamics will be crucial for mental health professionals and society as a whole moving forward.
"*" indicates required fields
