5 Coping Skills To Help With Trump Derangement Syndrome

5 Coping Skills to Help With Trump Derangement Syndrome

Trump Derangement Syndrome has infected various people since the most recent presidential election. It has been defined in the following ways by various people.

Fareed Zakaria said that it is a “hatred of President Trump so intense that it impairs people’s judgment.”

Senator Ted Cruz claimed: “where all they can do is attack the president all day long on the scandal of the day”

Even President Trump tweeted about this phenomenon after his meeting with President Putin in Helsinki Finland:

Some people HATE the fact that I got along well with President Putin of Russia. They would rather go to war than see this. It’s called Trump Derangement Syndrome!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 18, 2018

Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS), like it previous iterations before it (Bush Derangement Syndrome and the Clinton Crazies) seems to be infecting Democrats, Independents, as well as Republicans. The infection seems to be very contagious because it has passed on to more people. I hear of new cases of TDS every day. As Christians, we have to approach this syndrome with the healing powers of grace and a positive attitude. I thought I would share five different skills to help anyone suffering from TDS cope. These five skills can help cope with any president (or any politician).

FIVE SKILLS TO HELP COPE WITH TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME

1. Pray for the President

The first way to deal with TDS is to pray for the President. We are called to pray for those in power over us.

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:1–2, CSB)

You can pray for the government with positive prayers. Psalm 72:1-20 shares a list of 5 Positive Prayers to Pray for the Government.

2. Be at peace

The second way to deal with TDS is to develop a sense of peace over the entire political situation (or politician). The Bible teaches that we need to be at peace with others.

“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18, CSB)

“Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14, CSB)

3. Develop patience with what you disagree

The third way to deal with TDS is to develop patience. You may not like how a politician who has been elected. You may not like their political platform, their policies or their opinions. You have to develop the patience to keep yourself from lashing out. Just because you disagree with someone, it does not mean that you need to be disagreeable. Being patient with politicians and those who have different viewpoints is a matter of being civil. Civility makes a great citizen.

“The end of a matter is better than its beginning; a patient spirit is better than a proud spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8, CSB)

“You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:8, CSB)

4. Continue to persevere

In modern American politics, presidents serve the people. They don’t stay in power forever. Even if you don’t like the president in power today, you can rest assured that soon there will be another president. Knowing this helps you develop perseverance. You may feel like you are going through a set of trials and afflictions with the way a president acts. Perseverance (or endurance) lead to hope and hope helps you cope.

“And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.” (Romans 5:3–4, CSB)

“Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12, CSB)

5. Participate in the political system

The Bible teaches that I should submit to the government. Politicians, including presidents, serve God in the position that they hold.

“Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1, CSB)

“And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God’s servants, continually attending to these tasks.” (Romans 13:6, CSB)

At the same time, you live in a country where your vote makes a difference. Not only is it important to vote, but it is also important to get involved in the political process. You can submit to governmental authorities. Likewise, you can also run for office and be a Christian example for others.

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