Psychotherapist On Fox News Reveals Just How Much ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’ Now Shapes Sessions

It was a crisp autumn morning in New York City. The leaves were turning golden, and a slight chill hung in the air. Inside the bustling Fox News studio, the atmosphere was electric. A psychotherapist, Dr. Emily Carter (name changed for privacy), was preparing to go live, her heart pounding slightly. The topic? Something that had been increasingly dominating her practice: “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (TDS) and its profound impact on therapy sessions. She’d seen firsthand how the intense political polarization, fueled by the figure of Donald Trump, was manifesting in anxiety, depression, and fractured relationships among her patients. (It was quite shocking, actually). The producers were giving last-minute instructions, and the red light blinked on. The segment was about to begin, and Dr. Carter knew she had a crucial message to deliver to the nation. It wasn’t about politics, she reminded herself. It was about mental health.

The term “Trump Derangement Syndrome” has become a cultural touchstone, often used (and sometimes weaponized) to describe intense, often negative, reactions to Donald Trump. But behind the political rhetoric, lies a very real phenomenon impacting mental health professionals and their patients. Dr. Carter’s appearance on Fox News aimed to shed light on just how deeply this “syndrome” – or, perhaps more accurately, the political anxieties it represents – has infiltrated the therapy room. Her experiences echoed those of many therapists across the country, who report spending increasing amounts of time helping patients navigate the emotional fallout of a deeply divided nation. Think of Thanksgiving dinner arguments, amplified a thousandfold. That’s the level we’re talking about.

The question is, how does a therapist navigate these politically charged sessions? How do they help patients separate their political anxieties from underlying personal issues? And, perhaps most importantly, how can we, as a society, begin to bridge the divide and heal the emotional wounds caused by this relentless political polarization? These were the questions Dr. Carter hoped to address. She took a deep breath as the anchor introduced her, her hands slightly sweaty under the bright studio lights. The camera zoomed in. It was time to talk about the elephant in the room, or rather, the elephant dominating the therapy session.

The Rise of Political Anxiety in Therapy

Dr. Carter explained on Fox News that she’s observed a significant increase in patients presenting with symptoms directly linked to political stress. These symptoms range from generalized anxiety and insomnia to panic attacks and even depressive episodes. “It’s not just about disagreeing with a political stance,” she emphasized. “It’s about the constant feeling of being under threat, the fear for the future, and the erosion of trust in institutions.” And it’s all amplified by social media. Just endless doom-scrolling!

She shared an anecdote about a patient, a successful businesswoman in her late 40s, who found herself increasingly unable to focus on her work due to constant worry about the direction of the country. “She was losing sleep, snapping at her employees, and her personal relationships were suffering,” Dr. Carter recounted. “She told me, ‘I feel like I’m constantly bracing for the next disaster.'” This, Dr. Carter explained, is a common manifestation of political anxiety. The constant news cycle, the social media echo chambers, and the perceived existential threats contribute to a pervasive sense of unease. This is more than just “being stressed about politics”; it is actively impacting people’s daily lives and mental well-being.

Defining “Trump Derangement Syndrome”: Reality or Rhetoric?

The term “Trump Derangement Syndrome” itself is highly controversial. Critics argue that it’s a dismissive label used to invalidate legitimate concerns about Donald Trump’s policies and rhetoric. However, Dr. Carter clarified that she uses the term, cautiously, to describe the intense emotional reactions – often negative but sometimes excessively positive – that some individuals exhibit in relation to Trump.

It’s important to note that TDS is not a recognized medical diagnosis. Instead, it’s a shorthand way of describing a cluster of symptoms and behaviors that seem to be triggered by political events, particularly those involving Trump. These behaviors can include:

• Obsessive focus on news and social media related to Trump
• Exaggerated emotional reactions (e.g., rage, despair) to political events
• Difficulty engaging in rational discussions about politics
• Strained relationships with people who hold different political views

“The key is the intensity and pervasiveness of the reaction,” Dr. Carter explained. “It’s when political anxieties start to significantly interfere with a person’s ability to function in their daily life that it becomes a problem.” This is where professional help becomes necessary. Otherwise, it’s just constant bickering and unproductive arguments.

Navigating Politically Charged Therapy Sessions

One of the biggest challenges for therapists is navigating politically charged therapy sessions without imposing their own political beliefs on their patients. Dr. Carter emphasized the importance of maintaining neutrality and creating a safe space for patients to explore their feelings without judgment.

“My role isn’t to tell them whether they’re right or wrong about their political views,” she said. “It’s to help them understand why they feel the way they do, and to develop coping mechanisms for managing their anxiety and stress.”

Here are some strategies therapists use to navigate these complex situations:

1. Active Listening: Paying close attention to the patient’s concerns and validating their feelings, even if the therapist doesn’t agree with their political views.
2. Cognitive Restructuring: Helping patients identify and challenge negative thought patterns related to politics. For example, reframing catastrophic thinking (“The country is going to collapse!”) into more realistic and manageable concerns.
3. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Teaching patients techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation to manage anxiety and stress.
4. Setting Boundaries: Helping patients establish healthy boundaries with news consumption and social media. Encouraging them to take breaks from the constant barrage of political information.
5. Focusing on Values: Guiding patients to connect with their core values and to find ways to live in alignment with those values, regardless of the political climate.

“It’s about empowering patients to take control of their emotional well-being, even in the face of political uncertainty,” Dr. Carter noted. She added, “Sometimes, simply acknowledging the validity of their feelings can be incredibly therapeutic.”

The Impact on Relationships

One of the most concerning aspects of political polarization is its impact on personal relationships. Dr. Carter shared that she’s seen a rise in couples and families seeking therapy due to political disagreements. “I’ve had couples on the brink of divorce because they can’t see eye to eye on political issues,” she revealed.

The key to navigating these conflicts, according to Dr. Carter, is to focus on empathy and understanding. “It’s about trying to see the world from your partner’s perspective, even if you don’t agree with their views,” she explained. “It’s about finding common ground and focusing on the things you value as a couple or a family.”

She often encourages couples to establish ground rules for discussing politics, such as avoiding personal attacks, listening respectfully, and agreeing to disagree. “It’s not about changing each other’s minds,” she said. “It’s about learning to coexist peacefully, even when you have different political beliefs.” It’s hard, for sure. But necessary!

Beyond Therapy: Healing a Divided Nation

Dr. Carter believes that addressing the mental health consequences of political polarization requires a multi-faceted approach. In addition to individual therapy, she advocates for:

• Promoting Media Literacy: Encouraging people to be critical consumers of news and social media, and to avoid echo chambers that reinforce their existing beliefs.
• Fostering Civil Discourse: Creating opportunities for people with different political views to engage in respectful dialogue and to find common ground.
• Supporting Mental Health Resources: Increasing access to affordable and quality mental health care, particularly for those who are struggling with political anxiety and stress.
• Leading by Example: Politicians and public figures need to model respectful and civil behavior, even when they disagree on policy issues.

“We need to create a culture where it’s okay to disagree without being disagreeable,” Dr. Carter asserted. “We need to remember that we’re all human beings, and that we all want the same basic things: a safe and secure future for ourselves and our families.”

She concluded her Fox News appearance with a message of hope. “It’s not going to be easy,” she acknowledged. “But I believe that we can heal this division and create a more united and compassionate nation. It starts with each of us taking responsibility for our own emotional well-being and treating each other with respect and empathy.”

The segment ended, and Dr. Carter felt a sense of relief. She had said what she needed to say. She had planted a seed. Now, it was up to the viewers to nurture it.

Moving Forward: Finding Common Ground

Ultimately, Dr. Carter’s appearance on Fox News highlights the very real impact that political polarization, and specifically the phenomenon sometimes labeled “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” is having on individuals and society. It’s a call to action for therapists, individuals, and communities to address the mental health consequences of this divide and to work towards finding common ground. The road ahead may be challenging, but by prioritizing empathy, understanding, and mental well-being, we can begin to heal the wounds and build a more united future. It requires active participation from everyone.