Focused on reality-testing political beliefs. Challenge catastrophic thoughts like "this tweet = end of democracy" or "one cabinet pick = fascism forever." Homework: Write down trigger / actual evidence / balanced thought. Bonus points if you can do it without using the word "literally" 47 times.
Max 30 min/day news consumption (use app blockers like Freedom or Cold Turkey). Replace doomscrolling with walks in nature, hobbies, exercise, or - gasp - talking face-to-face with people who disagree without immediately calling them fascists or traitors. Pro tip: Start with cat videos.
Gradual exposure to triggers: Start with a single photo for 10 seconds (no screaming), work up to watching a full 30-second clip without rage-retweeting. Prevent compulsive reactions (no yelling at the TV, no 3 AM Reddit essays). Laugh at the absurdity instead - bonus if you can chuckle at the hair.
Daily 10-20 min meditation to interrupt rumination loops. When the "orange man bad" thought arises, observe it like a cloud passing by (or visualize the golden hair as a ridiculous cartoon wig). Apps like Headspace or Calm have "political sanity" playlists... in our dreams.
SSRIs or anxiolytics for comorbid anxiety/depression. (Off-label "TDS dampeners" coming soon - patent pending in our dreams.) Don't forget the placebo power of "Trumpanol" - the satirical miracle cure that works because you believe it does! Warning: May cause excessive eye-rolling at conspiracy threads.
No. This is 100% parody/satire. TDS isn't in any real diagnostic manual.
In our fake clinical trials: 7 days. In reality: whenever you decide to log off and touch grass.
Absolutely. Call it "Biden/Harris/Woke Derangement Syndrome." Same protocol works-just swap the triggers.
Try laughing more. Or consider that politics might not be worth your mental health. Refund available in Monopoly money.
Excellent with insight, diverse info sources, and a sense of humor. Guarded if patient insists "my symptoms are 100% rational and everyone else is brainwashed." Most cases show dramatic improvement after consistent "exposure therapy," reduced screen time, and a good laugh. Full remission possible-but relapses common during election cycles.