TDS

CAVEAT:  If you lean left, might I suggest not reading this blog post as you're likely to lose your lunch.  

Typically, I would reserve a topic like this for the word of the month.  However, I've been hearing this term over and over and if I don't get it down on "paper," I'm going to lose it.

What am I talking about?  I'm talking about Trump Derangement Syndrome (or TDS - which is a real thing, actually).

There are two concepts, here.  First, is Derangement Syndrome which refers to a state of mental disturbance or irrational behavior.  Back in the 18th century, when medical professionals began using the term "derangement" to describe various mental illnesses, the term was used to address any type of abnormal behavior or thought patters that deviated from societal norms.

Fast forward to modern times, the idiom "derangement syndrome" has been used in various contexts to describe a state of irrational behavior or extreme obsession towards a particul.ar person, group, or idea.  This idiom is often used to criticize individuals who exhibit such behavior and suggest they are not thinking rationally  (Anderson, J.  (2024, May 21).  Understanding Derangement Syndrome" Idiom: Meaning, Origins & Usage - Crossidiomas.com. https://crossidiomas.com/derangement syndrome).

That's pretty deep stuff and not at all flattering - particularly for politicians looking to be re-elected.  I mean it seems to have worked in Senator Fetterman's favor what with his seeming erratic behavior as of late.  Of course, as will be discussed below), Sen. Fetterman's actions can be attributed to intentional actions to bring on TDS amongst his democratic colleagues (so, I guess, the jokes on the democrats as a whole).

Anyway, the second part goes to the heart of TDS.   Trump Derangement Syndrome is a term used to describe a form of toxic criticism and negative reaction to President Donald J. Trump’s statements and political actions. 

 

 

The origin of the term "Trump Derangement Syndrome" can be traced to the late political columnist and commentator Charles Krauthammer, a psychiatrist, who first coined the phrase “Bush derangement syndrome” in 2003.  Krauthammer defined Trump Derangement Syndrome as a Trump-induced “general hysteria” that produced an “inability to distinguish between legitimate policy differences and signs of psychic pathology” in the president’s behavior. Journalist Fareed Zakaria, moreover, defined TDS as “hatred of President Trump so intense that it impairs people’s judgment" (see derangement syndrome, above).

Signs of TDS can be observed along a continuum of reactions, ranging from verbal expressions of intense hostility toward President Trump to overt acts of aggression and even violence against anyone supporting or anything symbolizing him.  The recent assassination attempt(s) on Trump’s life provides compelling evidence of the volatility and potential dangers of TDS if left unchecked.  (Pattakos, A. (2024, Sept. 5).  The Paradox of Trump Derangement Syndrome: Finding Meaning in the Space Between Stimulus and Response.  Psychology Today.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-meaningful-life/202409/the-paradox-of-trump-derangement-syndrome).

So, how does TDS work in everyday/real life?

TDS triggers emotional reactions: Anxiety, anger, and relentless rumination can flood anyone exposed to the label, while those branded “deranged” may feel stigmatized, withdraw, or fire back making them look like deranged psychopaths - which is, I suspect, the whole point.

TDS exposes a person's identity: In recent times, political affiliation (like religion in the past and present) has fused tightly with personal identity.  Criticism of a favored (or hated) leader can feel like an attack on the self (which is why you see more and more people becoming the subject of laughable memes).

TDS may serve as an abject dismissal:  Branding someone “deranged” shifts the conversation from policy to sanity, shutting down dialogue instead of engaging it.  Of course, it also helps to lighten the mood and might make people think twice about irrational/unlawful public outbursts. 

While I think all of these hijinks are funny and merely go to show the extent at which people will go to get their 15 minutes of fame, there are those in society who really can't pull away and let themselves get caught up in the insanity of TDS. 

For those who need to calm the freak down, Dr. Brad Brenner (a psychologist in DC) offers the following suggestions:

• Put your phone down (or stop watching the MSM): Limit how often—and from which outlets—you check the news. Choosing trusted sources and knowing when to log off reduces emotional overload.
• Practice Mindfulness:  A few minutes of meditation, deep breathing, or quiet reflection anchors you in the present and calms political fight-or-flight spikes.
• Set Boundaries: Decide in advance when—and with whom—you’ll discuss politics. Steering clear of heated debates at home, work, or online protects your peace of mind.
• Establish "Safe" Social Connections: Share space with supportive people—friends, clubs, or a therapy group—who understand your values. Community cushions stress and offers fresh perspective.

Yep, Trump Derangement Syndrome is sure a thing (and will be an actual mental illness if politicians in Minnesota have a say in it).  

Sad that there are people in the world that can't take a joke.  Sadder, still, are those that say they are all about tolerance and 1st Amendment and then flip out when anyone says anything that offends their sacred sense of self.