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How Permanent Outrage Shapes America’s Political Landscape
Following the publication of my opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal, there was an immediate and intense response. Some readers expressed gratitude for my perspective, while many others reacted with anger. Accusations flew—from claims that I excused Donald Trump to allegations of minimizing the harm he had caused and betraying my profession. A few messages even contained threats.
What caught my attention was not merely the disagreement itself but how swiftly that disagreement escalated into fury. Simply challenging the common narrative appeared sufficient to ignite outrage. This reaction lingered in my mind as it echoed familiar themes I have observed in my clinical practice.
Over the past decade, one psychological pattern has quietly risen to prominence in American society. This pattern transcends education, geography, and socioeconomic status. I would go so far as to describe it as the defining pathology of our political era—a state of chronic political anxiety where outrage has become habitual and a sense of threat serves as the default lens through which many view the world.
In my therapy practices based in Manhattan and Washington, D.C., I have witnessed how the emotional repercussions surrounding Donald Trump have only intensified over time. The discourse around politics has morphed from a topic for rational debate into a core component of personal identity, carried internally long after the news cycle has shifted.
When I asserted in my op-ed that “Trump Derangement Syndrome”—or TDS—is not a legitimate psychiatric diagnosis, I intended to make a clinical distinction instead of expressing a political opinion. The anxiety, obsessive thoughts, disrupted sleep, strained relationships, and pervasive mental preoccupation that many individuals experience are real and concerning. People are genuinely suffering. However, I aimed to challenge the notion that simply labeling these symptoms with a political term offers any therapeutic value.
The manifestations of this pattern are all too familiar. Many describe thoughts they cannot silence. They check the news compulsively, often lying awake late into the night, scrolling through updates despite knowing it exacerbates their anxiety. A number of individuals report feeling physically restless, unable to relax, and many admit that they find themselves preoccupied with thoughts of Donald Trump, often against their will.
This obsession increasingly permeates daily routines. Conversations become smaller in scope, relationships narrow, and individuals begin organizing their lives around politics. Choices about whom to date, where to socialize, and even family gatherings are influenced by political alignment. This shift moves discussions from mere opinions to defining behavior.
Understanding Obsessive Political Preoccupation
This phenomenon, which I have come to term obsessive political preoccupation, does not constitute a formal diagnosis but rather describes what occurs when a political figure becomes a persistent focal point for intrusive thoughts and emotional arousal. The mind operates on high alert, scanning for perceived danger, even when that threat is abstract or remote.
The Villain in Our Political Narrative
One significant factor that upholds this pattern involves the necessity of a villain. A villain provides clarity amidst chaos, assigns blame, simplifies complexities, and offers moral certainty that requires little introspection. When personal life feels unpredictable or unfulfilling, political outrage can temporarily fill that void and offer a sense of purpose.
While Donald Trump did not create this dynamic, he has effectively become its most potent vessel. Long after individual controversies fade, the emotional framework instilled by this outrage remains secure. The identity formed around these feelings holds firm, and the outrage itself becomes self-sustaining.
Today, our culture increasingly prioritizes emotional intensity over reflection. Outrage receives amplification, while moments of contemplation are often perceived as complacent. What might seem like calm can easily be construed as apathy, and choosing to step back may be labeled as a moral failure. In such an environment, anxiety does not merely persist; it receives encouragement.
A Society in Emotional Overdrive
The outcome of this pervasive mindset is evident in how society engages with politics. The realm of politics no longer informs opinions; instead, it dictates relationships, workplace dynamics, and daily choices. Many individuals express exhaustion from feeling perpetually tense, bracing themselves for the next wave of outrage.
This pattern of engagement does not represent healthy civic participation. Instead, it embodies a state of emotional overdrive where a functioning democracy struggles to thrive amid ongoing alarm. When every event feels existential, individuals often lose the ability to distinguish between authentic danger and emotional habit.
None of this requires individuals to relinquish their convictions or withdraw from political engagement. Instead, it demands an understanding that emotional regulation does not equate to political surrender. It is certain that Donald Trump will continue to dominate headlines and capture the public’s attention.
Reclaiming Inner Peace in a Politically Charged Atmosphere
The more pressing question is whether Americans will allow politics to dictate their inner emotional lives indefinitely. At some point, society must confront the reality of living amidst permanent outrage and determine if that is a sustainable way of life.
In this complex political landscape, maintaining emotional balance is not only essential for individual well-being but also for the overall health of our democratic institutions. As we navigate these turbulent times, the challenge lies in finding a way to engage meaningfully with politics without sacrificing our peace of mind.
