Trump

Anxiety Disorder: To worry or not to worry?

Written by: Kerri S. Morris, Ph.D.
Originally published on the following website: ksmbehavioralservices.com © 8/28/18 Stamford,
CT

Earlier this month, media outlets were shining a spotlight on a condition that some therapists
have called “Trump Anxiety Disorder.” This term probably originated in a 2017 essay written by
clinical psychologist Jennifer Panning published in a New York Times best-seller, The Dangerous
Case of Donald Trump. Panning noted symptoms to include “feeling a loss of control and
helplessness and fretting about what’s happening in the country.”

While mental health organizations are not rushing to acknowledge any new anxiety disorder
related to the current presidency, our political climate is definitely a source of worry and
anxiety for people, and I have observed this first hand in my own practice. However, I have
noticed that patients do not come in with “political anxiety” as a primary symptom. They
generally have an existing constellation of symptoms and fretting about the state of the nation
and political climate tends to accompany stress from worries about finances, relationships,
health, and identity and the future.

Too much social and internet use also goes hand in hand with increased anxiety about our
country and its leaders. Following every tweet and post on media outlets such as Facebook and
Twitter reinforces anxious states as the opinions and beliefs of others can act as triggers for our
own worries. Digital news reports that are being aggregated nonstop by news apps that send
out notifications also keep us on high alert for the latest political drama; Some people may find
themselves waiting to see how these dramas play out. Some of these events unfold over long
periods of time (e.g., the Russian election interference scandal) and keep us on the hook.

If you think the current political climate is activating your fears and anxiety, cutting back on
your usage of digital news and social media from your phone is one way to start taking back
control. Our phones are always with us, keeping us on high alert with instant notifications of
the latest events that you can easily shut off. Prune out the social media channels that give you
the jitters. If every tweet that Trump or some other activating politician digitally burps out is
revving you up, then lay-off for a bit! Too much television news can also be a culprit of
increased worry. Cutting back on TV news, overall, is helpful and if you have to tune in, then
getting news from outlets that sensationalize less is recommended. Keep in mind that even
social interactions can increase your worry if they include political discussions. Intense political
discourse isn’t for everyone and limiting your discussion of political topics with others, even
those with whom you agree, can also help tone down the noise.

One additional caveat: Increased anxiety can be part of some larger mental health issue. If you
have concerns that are negatively impacting your daily life in a significant way, you may wish to
consider making an appointment with a qualified, licensed mental health provider.

Please note: This blog does not constitute medical advice and does not replace consultation
and treatment with a qualified medical professional.