Forget your zombie apocalypse fantasies — the real outbreak is Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS), where rational thinking flies out the window the moment “Orange Man” is mentioned. TDS has become a modern-day fever that sends reasonable minds into a frenzy. If you’ve seen this around you, you’re not alone. But let me just say, I get it! I used to be there. When Trump won in 2016, I cried. I felt the devastation, the outrage, the “what’s happening to our country?!” moment that so many others experienced. I believed the media narratives without question and wore that emotional turmoil like a badge. But then, something clicked. I started researching more carefully, looking into primary sources, seeking out independent media, and asking myself what I was really feeling about the issues rather than just repeating the party line. Over time, I saw the layers of complexity, nuance, and even hypocrisy that I’d never realized before.

Now, let’s take a deeper look at each of the TDS symptoms:

Symptoms of TDS: Diagnosing the Outrage

1. “Fascist! Racist! Sexist!”

If you so much as mention Trump in a positive light, brace yourself for the onslaught: you’re suddenly a fascist, racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, bigoted conspiracy theorist out to destroy democracy. The irony? This mob is so quick to throw every name in the book that the words have lost all meaning. Their logic: if you disagree, you’re evil. How convenient.

2. Family? Friends? Disposable!

TDS has reached the point where people are cutting off family members over their voting history. Imagine tossing a lifelong friendship because Uncle Joe wore a MAGA hat. For some with TDS, Thanksgiving isn’t a holiday; it’s a battleground. It’s not just about politics anymore — it’s a moral crusade where every dissenting opinion is a betrayal. Call it selective outrage syndrome.

3. Corporate Parrot Mode Activated

When TDS takes over, suddenly the most “anti-establishment” folks turn into the establishment’s biggest fans. They unironically parrot lines from Big Pharma, media conglomerates, tech giants, intelligence agencies, the military-industrial complex, and yes, even the World Economic Forum. In their minds, anything outside these sources? A dangerous conspiracy. “Think for yourself” only applies as long as you’re thinking exactly what they’re thinking.

4. Cancel Culture Gone Wild

Got a book that challenges the status quo? Banned. Statue of a historical figure? Torn down. Art that doesn’t align with the current narrative. Erased. For TDS-ers, history is only as valid as its alignment with their worldview. It’s a never-ending purge of anything that might cause them the slightest discomfort. The new motto? If it offends, it ends.

5. Segregation 2.0

In the wild world of TDS, segregation is back — but now it’s “progressive.” We’re talking division by race, medical status, and whatever category might boost moral superiority. They claim to champion equality, but at every turn, it’s “us versus them.” TDS has transformed inclusivity into a new, hyper-policed form of exclusivity.

6. Piercings, Tattoos, Hair Colors Galore

Extreme individuality, TDS-style: where everyone rebels in exactly the same way. TDS-driven defiance usually manifests in whatever new trend they’re convinced will “stick it to the man”. Just like TDS itself, this uniform has turned rebellion into a team sport. Black masks, blue hair — it’s the official TDS fashion statement. Strut your stuff with the same look as every other anti-establishment warrior on the block. For a movement obsessed with individuality, TDS sure has a strict dress code.

7. “Reproductive Justice” with Selective Amnesia

TDS champions “reproductive rights” but often glosses over the darker history of eugenics behind some early advocates. They’ll celebrate organizations without ever acknowledging where they came from. Bring up Margaret Sanger’s disturbing past, and watch them squirm — or, more likely, accuse you of “attacking reproductive freedom.”

8. Riot, Loot, and Celebrate Criminality (but Take Away the Guns)

TDS folks will tell you that looting and burning buildings are “mostly peaceful.” They cheer on criminality as “expression” but demand that law-abiding citizens be disarmed. In their perfect world, the government holds all the power, while citizens are stripped of their rights. Because nothing says “justice” like leaving the people defenseless.

9. Senile Man Isn’t Senile (and Don’t You Dare Say Otherwise)

Exhibit A of TDS reality distortion: insisting that “Senile Man” is sharp, focused, and totally not slipping. TDS defenders will rationalize every stutter, stumble, and lapse as just “endearing quirks.” They’ve become professional apologists for a guy who can barely string a sentence together without a script.

10. Open Borders Good, Secure Borders Bad

In the TDS worldview, open borders are a humanitarian triumph, and peace negotiations are…dangerous? They cheer escalating tensions and possible war, insisting it’s good for democracy. But God forbid someone suggests security at the borders. That’s “xenophobic” — unless they need walls and fences around their own neighborhoods.

11. MAGA and Russia: The Root of All Evil

To the TDS-affected, MAGA and Russia are the villains of every story. Whatever the issue, it’s their fault. Rising costs, climate disasters, bad sports scores? It’s all “MAGA” or Putin. It’s like a never-ending game of political Mad Libs, where every blank is filled with the same two villains.

12. January 6 is the New 9/11

The narrative: January 6 was on par with Pearl Harbor and 9/11. For TDS followers, a chaotic day at the Capitol has somehow become a world-altering tragedy on par with historic attacks on America. The comparison is absurd, but TDS won’t let it go. Any criticism? Clearly you’re downplaying “the darkest day in history.”

13. Blind Obedience Rebranded as “Saving Democracy”

TDS logic: the only way to “save democracy” is by silencing dissent, canceling opinions, and obeying government orders without question. It’s like a self-contradictory campaign slogan: “Destroy freedom to protect it!” And somehow, they think they’re the enlightened ones.

14. Buzzword Bingo

TDS rhetoric is powered by slogans that sound deep but are emptier than a plastic grocery bag in a windstorm. You’ll hear phrases like “destroy democracy to save it,” “compliance is justice,” and “love wins,” even when they’re trampling over their own definitions. It’s a language of feel-good contradictions — because if it sounds right, who cares if it is right?

TDS Prognosis: From Reason to Rage

Unfortunately, TDS seems to be getting worse, not better. Studies suggest that heavy doses of mainstream media, academic echo chambers, and social media influencers are turning normal folks into a rage-fueled army of identical outrage. And when you throw in teachers’ unions, college admin, and some politicians adding fuel to the fire, it’s no wonder we’re seeing otherwise smart, decent people morph into full-time outrage machines.

In the end, TDS has turned the political landscape into a circus of contradictions, hysterics, and nonsensical slogans. If you’re ready for an apocalypse, you might not need zombies — TDS has already created an army of the enraged, who follow the leader without question, convinced they’re fighting the good fight by shutting down everything they disagree with.

Treatment: A Cure for TDS?

Can you reason with someone deep in TDS? Sometimes it feels impossible, but it’s worth trying. A demoralized person is hard to reach, but most cases of TDS aren’t terminal. Many of those “80 million” Biden voters are reasonable, everyday people who just might be open to a conversation. Looking at the 2024 election landscape, Trump and the GOP have undeniably tapped into a broader, more diverse demographic. Today’s Republican candidates come from various backgrounds, with f igures like Tulsi Gabbard and Vivek Ramaswamy, representing unique perspectives, which is a first for the party on this scale. This diverse mix shows that the party’s focus is evolving—centered not just on identity but on a broader range of ideas​.POLITICO.

Let’s resist the divisive forces that are feeding TDS and bring civility back into the mix.

So, here’s the prescription:

1. Step Away from MSM: The first step is to lower their dose of mainstream media. It’s like a detox.
2. Upgrade the Information Diet: Guide them toward new, independent sources of information. Look for voices that don’t just echo the usual talking points.
3. Watch The Coddling of the American Mind: This documentary challenges the ideas that have cultivated TDS and offers perspective on resilience and openness.
4. Take a Walk Outside: Nature is good for the soul. Sometimes, the answer is as simple as fresh air, sunshine, and a reminder that the world is bigger than our screens.
5. Hit the Gym: Physical exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mental clarity. Plus, it’s hard to hold onto bitterness when you’re in the zone.
6. And Most Importantly, Laugh: Humor can bridge divides faster than any debate. Remember, we can disagree and still respect each other.

Let’s turn down the heat and work on genuine conversations—who knows, maybe one by one, we can cure TDS for good.

But on the real though, breaking through what’s commonly called Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) requires understanding why these deeply polarizing reactions arise and how to gently engage people in constructive, open-minded discussions. Here are some insightful resources and strategies to help you navigate TDS, improve communication, and potentially help those caught in it see multiple perspectives more clearly.

1. Books on Political Polarization and Media Influence

• “The Coddling of the American Mind” by Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff
  This book explores why younger generations are more anxious and polarized, linking it to trends in education, media, and social conditioning. It discusses the impact of overprotection and “safetyism” on mental resilience, which can feed into extreme reactions to political figures like Trump.
• “Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion” by Jonathan Haidt
  Haidt’s book explains the moral psychology behind political divides, providing insight into why people demonize others for their beliefs. It’s a resource that encourages empathy and offers tools to understand why certain people feel so strongly about political figures.
• “Hate, Inc.” by Matt Taibbi
  This book takes a deep dive into how the media creates division, rage, and fear to keep audiences engaged. Taibbi argues that both sides of the political spectrum are manipulated by media tactics, which can lead to knee-jerk reactions and a lack of critical thinking.
• “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
  Kahneman’s insights into the psychology of decision-making and biases are incredibly valuable for understanding how snap judgments form. This is essential for recognizing why some people react so viscerally to certain public figures and how they might break out of these biases.

2. Documentaries and Videos

• “The Social Dilemma”
  This documentary shows how social media platforms amplify outrage and division. It explains how algorithms reward extreme views and reinforce confirmation biases. Viewing this can help someone understand how media exposure may fuel polarized reactions.
• Interviews and Talks by Jonathan Haidt
  Haidt’s lectures on YouTube about political polarization and moral psychology provide easily digestible explanations for why people become entrenched in their beliefs and hostile toward others. His work emphasizes empathy and understanding, which are key in bridging divides.
• Interviews with Matt Taibbi on Media Influence
  Journalist Matt Taibbi frequently discusses media’s role in inflaming division and mistrust. Hearing his perspective on how media drives certain narratives can help someone rethink their news consumption.

3. Podcasts and Alternative Media Outlets

• The Joe Rogan Experience
  Rogan’s podcast often features diverse viewpoints, including from figures who challenge mainstream narratives. Rogan’s open-minded, questioning style can encourage listeners to think independently.
• Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar
  This independent news show is known for covering both left-wing and right-wing perspectives critically, making it valuable for people seeking balanced information. Hosts Krystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti offer nuanced discussions that don’t fall into mainstream narratives.
• The Glenn Greenwald Podcast
  Greenwald, a journalist and political commentator, is known for challenging establishment narratives. His independent reporting encourages critical thinking and skepticism, which can help break through one-sided views.

4. Online Resources

• AllSides.com
  This news aggregator presents articles from the left, center, and right, helping people see how the same story can be framed differently depending on the outlet. Regularly reading across the spectrum can help break the habit of ideological echo chambers.
• Media Bias/Fact Check
  This site is useful for assessing the political leanings and reliability of different media outlets. People with TDS often trust only certain sources; this tool can provide insight into the biases of those sources, helping individuals diversify their information diet.

5. Therapeutic and Self-Awareness Tools

• Mindfulness Practices
  Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help people become more self-aware and less reactive, making it easier to engage in rational conversations without emotional bias.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Techniques
  CBT exercises help people examine the roots of their thoughts and emotions. While this isn’t TDS-specific, understanding thought patterns and challenging automatic, often emotional, responses can reduce irrational thinking related to political issues.

6. Constructive Engagement Tips

• Ask Open-Ended Questions
  Instead of directly challenging someone’s beliefs, ask them questions that make them think deeper: “What made you come to that conclusion?” or “Have you ever looked into other perspectives on this?”
• Seek Common Ground
  Finding points of agreement before delving into differences can make conversations less confrontational and more constructive.
• Limit Media Consumption Together
  If you’re close to someone who seems highly affected by TDS, suggest a “news detox” where both of you take a break from mainstream media. Instead, engage in activities like reading books, listening to long-form discussions, or spending time in nature.
• Use Humor
  Humor can lighten intense topics and make them more approachable. It’s easier to discuss differences when the conversation doesn’t feel like a battle.
• Encourage Journaling or Writing
  Writing can help people clarify their beliefs and analyze their emotions. It encourages self-reflection, which is helpful for overcoming rigid political opinions.

Breaking the cycle of TDS is more about cultivating open-mindedness, empathy, and critical thinking than directly trying to “change minds.” These resources and strategies can help create a space where productive conversations can happen.