Trump & Mental Health: ACT Therapy for a Stressful Political Climate
“I am doing well in a life that is going badly.” This sentiment, sometimes used to explain Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), highlights a core principle: we risk being overwhelmed by suffering when we become fused with thoughts arising from external triggers. While a person experiencing depression may feel genuine pain in the face of life’s problems, they can avoid unnecessary suffering by establishing internal boundaries for self-preservation.
Chronic Saturation
An article published in 2023 by The Atlantic foreshadowed the collective information overload many are experiencing, examining the potential for a second presidential term to create unsustainable chronic stress on mental health1. Professionals in mental health recognize chronicity as a key characteristic of a pathological psychological state.
The 47th President of the United States evokes more than just ideological disagreement. His presence permeates daily life – impacting personal finances through inflationary trade policies, savings and retirement accounts subject to market volatility following unpredictable decisions and saturating screens with constant activity. There’s even concern for personal safety should certain “imperialistic delirious” threats be carried out.
A Toxic Cocktail
It’s not surprising that, according to a recent New York Times opinion poll, the predominant emotion expressed by those identifying as Democrats is anger2. Specialists suggest that unchecked anger can fuel desires for revenge and the downfall of opposing viewpoints. What we have is precisely when applying the principles of ACT becomes crucial. Enduring a toxic combination of stress, anger, and indignation for the next three years is simply unsustainable.
A key step is recognizing that reacting to each provocation ultimately plays into the President’s strategy. Resisting the rising frustration is a way to maintain integrity and avoid being alienated by a larger force. This pattern repeats weekly, and avoiding the trap set by the current occupant of the White House is essential.
How to Act?
Those committed to justice may fear that prioritizing mental health equates to abandoning the fight when it’s most critical. A 2020 study in political psychology3 suggests this is a false choice, finding that negative emotions can actually fuel political mobilization and the pursuit of change.
Applying ACT to the current situation doesn’t minimize the seriousness of events, such as the two lives lost in Minneapolis. It wouldn’t tell someone experiencing depression to dismiss the suffering caused by losing their home, for example.
ACT encourages distancing from internalizing emotions and ending chronic rumination. A functional mental state is essential for lasting mobilization. This approach echoes historical examples, such as the nonviolent resistance employed by civil rights activists in the 1960s, a form of assumed political stoicism. The Economist reported that, following the tragedy in Minneapolis, a nonviolent civil disobedience movement emerged, with thousands accepting discomfort and choosing to act without being consumed, hoping for a brighter future in America4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
ACT is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes accepting difficult thoughts and feelings rather than struggling against them, and committing to actions aligned with one’s values.
What role does chronic stress play in mental health?
Chronic stress is identified as a key characteristic of a pathological psychological state by mental health professionals.
How can negative emotions be used constructively?
A 2020 study in political psychology suggests that negative emotions can serve as fuel for political mobilization and the pursuit of change.
How might you proactively safeguard your mental well-being amidst ongoing societal challenges?