{"id":724,"date":"2026-04-28T08:17:11","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T13:17:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thewaywesee.com\/understanddjt\/?page_id=724"},"modified":"2026-05-11T08:57:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T13:57:43","slug":"effects-of-trumps-mental-health-on-america","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thewaywesee.com\/understanddjt\/mental-health\/effects-of-trumps-mental-health-on-america\/","title":{"rendered":"TRUMP&#8217;S MENTAL HEALTH DESTROYS TRUST"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>TRUMP IS MORE THAN A POLITICAL PROBLEM<\/strong><br \/>\nIn America&#8217;s two-party political system, Democrats tend to have a narrow view of Trump as a political problem to be solved. This perspective drives political strategies that focus on votes that will remove Trump and his political allies from office. It also fails to recognize that Trump allies have been successful in getting elected because Democrats&#8217; focus on removing Trump as an individual ignores underlying structural and cultural influences that sustain Trump&#8217;s political movement.<\/p>\n<p>These influences include, but are not limited to the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Economic Anxiety and Disenfranchisement: <\/strong>\u00a0For many voters, support for Trump is rooted in deep-seated frustration with the economy, specifically inflation and the perception that the political establishment is out of touch with their personal financial realities. Trump successfully tapped into a sense of economic loss among the working class\u2014both white and, increasingly, minority voters\u2014who felt left behind by global trade, the decline of domestic manufacturing, and financial instability.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cultural and Societal Disconnect:\u00a0<\/strong>Beyond economics, Trump\u2019s success is driven by a powerful narrative that addresses voters&#8217; concerns regarding cultural changes, immigration, and shifts in societal norms. Many voters who feel alienated by what they perceive as &#8220;dangerously liberal&#8221; social policies have gravitated toward his platform, which explicitly positions itself as being &#8220;for you&#8221; against a system they view as prioritizing other groups over their own interests.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Populist Grievance and Realignment:\u00a0<\/strong>Trump has proven effective at creating a &#8220;multi-racial, multi-ethnic coalition of grievance populism&#8221; that transcends traditional party lines. This coalition is held together by:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"marker:text-quiet list-disc pl-8\" style=\"list-style-type: circle;\">\n<li class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [&amp;&gt;p]:pt-0 [&amp;&gt;p]:mb-2 [&amp;&gt;p]:my-0\">\n<p class=\"my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\">A shared belief that the existing political, media, and institutional establishment is hostile to their interests.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [&amp;&gt;p]:pt-0 [&amp;&gt;p]:mb-2 [&amp;&gt;p]:my-0\">\n<p class=\"my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\">The successful recruitment of new or infrequent voters who were previously disengaged from the political process.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [&amp;&gt;p]:pt-0 [&amp;&gt;p]:mb-2 [&amp;&gt;p]:my-0\">\n<p class=\"my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\">A sense of empowerment provided by a leader who actively challenges the status quo and absorbs attacks from political opponents.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These influences exist for good reason: America&#8217;s history of government has not engendered strong feeling of trust in politicians or the type of democracy that American&#8217;s expect and is guaranteed in the <a href=\"https:\/\/thewaywesee.com\/understanddjt\/deia-sdo-r-wa-and-fear\/1\/#preamble\">Preamble to the Constitution.<\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"root\">\n<div class=\"border-subtlest ring-subtlest divide-subtlest bg-base\">\n<div class=\"isolate flex h-dvh\">\n<div class=\"flex size-full flex-1 duration-normal ease-in-out\">\n<div class=\"@container\/main relative isolate min-h-0 flex-1 overflow-clip bg-clip-border border-subtlest ring-subtlest divide-subtlest bg-base\">\n<div class=\"mx-auto flex w-full flex-col h-full\">\n<div class=\"scrollable-container flex flex-1 basis-0 overflow-auto [scrollbar-gutter:stable] scrollbar-subtle\">\n<div class=\"mx-auto size-full max-w-none\">\n<div class=\"@container isolate\">\n<div class=\"bg-base px-md pb-md @3xl:px-lg @3xl:pb-lg pt-md @3xl:pt-lg erp-sidecar:pt-0 erp-mobile-sidecar:pt-lg erp-mobile-sidecar:pb-[100px]\">\n<div class=\"mx-auto flex flex-col pointer-events-auto max-w-threadContentWidth gap-md md:gap-lg\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col gap-md @3xl:gap-lg w-full pt-md @3xl:pt-lg\">\n<div class=\"w-full\">\n<div class=\"w-full flex flex-col\">\n<div id=\"radix-_r_4c_-content-default\" class=\"focus:outline-none\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"tabpanel\" data-state=\"active\" data-orientation=\"horizontal\" aria-labelledby=\"radix-_r_4c_-trigger-default\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col @3xl:gap-y-lg gap-y-md\">\n<div class=\"gap-y-sm flex flex-col\">\n<div class=\"relative font-sans text-base text-foreground selection:bg-super\/50 selection:text-foreground dark:selection:bg-super\/10 dark:selection:text-super\">\n<div class=\"min-w-0 break-words [word-break:break-word]\">\n<div id=\"markdown-content-2\" class=\"gap-y-md after:clear-both after:block after:content-['']\" dir=\"auto\" lang=\"en\">\n<div class=\"has-inline-images my-2 first:mt-0 [&amp;:has([data-inline-type=image])+&amp;:has([data-inline-type=image])_[data-inline-type=image]]:hidden [&amp;:has(table)_[data-inline-type=image]]:hidden\">\n<div class=\"prose dark:prose-invert inline leading-relaxed break-words min-w-0 [word-break:break-word] prose-strong:font-bold [&amp;_&gt;*:first-child]:mt-0 [&amp;_&gt;*:last-child]:mb-0\">\n<div data-renderer=\"lm\">\n<p class=\"my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\">The erosion of trust in the federal government is a foundational element of the political environment in which Donald Trump has flourished. When large segments of the electorate perceived that the machinery of government is no longer serving their interests\u2014or worse, is actively working against them\u2014the political calculus for Trump&#8217;s followers changed from seeking &#8220;effective representation&#8221; to seeking &#8220;systemic disruption&#8221;. This is the social\/cultural environment that brought Trump to office. Trump, who is the &#8220;disrupter in chief&#8221; and his allies will not be removed unless and until trustworthy politicians are elected to office. This goal requires focus on <a href=\"https:\/\/thewaywesee.com\/understanddjt\/understanding\/trumps-character\/\">character<\/a>, trust and <a href=\"https:\/\/thewaywesee.com\/understanddjt\/change-hearts-and-minds-the-key-to-building-trusr\/\">changing hearts and minds<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><strong>THE CRISIS OF INSTITUTIONAL TRUST<\/strong><br \/>\nPublic confidence in the federal government has remained at historically low levels for years, creating a vacuum that populist figures are uniquely positioned to fill. This distrust is not merely a reaction to specific policies but a deeper belief that:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"marker:text-quiet list-disc pl-8\">\n<li class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [&amp;&gt;p]:pt-0 [&amp;&gt;p]:mb-2 [&amp;&gt;p]:my-0\">\n<p class=\"my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\">Politicians are primarily beholden to lobbyists, special interests, and donors rather than the citizens they represent.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [&amp;&gt;p]:pt-0 [&amp;&gt;p]:mb-2 [&amp;&gt;p]:my-0\">\n<p class=\"my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\">The democratic process has become an &#8220;insider\u2019s game&#8221; where the outcomes are largely indifferent to the needs of the average family.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"py-0 my-0 prose-p:pt-0 prose-p:mb-2 prose-p:my-0 [&amp;&gt;p]:pt-0 [&amp;&gt;p]:mb-2 [&amp;&gt;p]:my-0\">\n<p class=\"my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\">Institutional checks and balances often function as obstacles to change rather than protections for the people.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\">When voters conclude that the system is broken beyond repair, the traditional demand for a &#8220;responsible politician&#8221; is replaced by a preference for a &#8220;disruptor&#8221;. Trump\u2019s political utility, from the perspective of his supporters, lies precisely in his willingness to ignore the protocols and norms that traditionally govern federal politics. By positioning himself as an outsider fighting a corrupt or failing system, he turns the very mistrust voters feel toward the federal government into his primary source of political capital.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-2 [&amp;+p]:mt-4 [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:inline-block [&amp;_strong:has(+br)]:pb-2\">This dynamic creates a cycle where the more the establishment resists, the more those actions confirm the supporters&#8217; suspicions that the system is hostile. Strategies that rely on institutional authority to &#8220;solve&#8221; the problem of Trump often reinforce the narrative that the elites are out of touch with the people. Consequently, as long as the disconnect between the governed and the federal government persists, the motivation for voters to support candidates who promise to break the status quo will likely remain a defining feature of the American political landscape.<\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<p><strong>HOW LACK OF TRUST AFFECTS AMERICAN CITIZENS<\/strong><br \/>\nThe fact that Americans have unfavorable views of America&#8217;s government basically means they don\u2019t trust politicians \u2014 especially at the federal level. Here is what <a href=\"https:\/\/www.perplexity.ai\/search\/9729be13-4474-4c8c-b9b7-23056fb20268\">Perplexity ai reports about how lack of trust affects societies:<\/a><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><em>Decreased political participation: When people don&#8217;t trust the government, they are more likely to disengage from the political system, for example by abstaining from voting or not standing for political office.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Difficulty solving problems: Low trust makes it harder for the government to solve many of the country&#8217;s problems. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of Americans believe that low trust in the federal government makes it more difficult to address key issues.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Reduced compliance with rules and laws: Low trust can lead to people ignoring official information and guidance and failing to comply with important collective obligations.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Support for anti-system parties: Lack of trust may increase support for anti-establishment or populist political parties that promise to radically change the system.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Demands for political reform: Low trust often leads to calls for reforming political institutions and processes.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Decreased legitimacy: When citizens become distrustful, the government finds it difficult to command legitimacy and respect.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Resource mobilization challenges: Low trust makes it harder for the government to mobilize resources needed to govern effectively.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Increased polarization: Intense political polarization, driven by ideological voices on social media, can make it difficult to pass legislation and address major problems.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Acceptance of misinformation: In low-trust environments, people may be more susceptible to misinformation and conspiracy theories.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Economic impacts: Declining trust can negatively affect economic progress by shortening planning horizons and reducing cooperation.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Social cohesion issues: Widespread distrust can damage social cohesion and lead to more disruptive or even violent actions by citizens.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Challenges in crisis response: Lack of trust may hamper the government&#8217;s ability to respond effectively to emergencies and crises.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>In summary, lack of trust in government and politicians has real-time, far-reaching, negative consequences:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Political instability<\/li>\n<li>Weak, ineffective government<\/li>\n<li>Distrust in institutions<\/li>\n<li>Malfeasance and dysfunction in government<\/li>\n<li>Social and economic division<\/li>\n<li>Mental health deterioration<\/li>\n<li>Radicalized political and social activism<\/li>\n<li>Violence and rebellion<\/li>\n<li>Rise of conspiracy theories, lies and misinformation<\/li>\n<li>Existential fears that country is moving in the wrong direction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"background-color: white; color: black;\">Anyone who pays attention to the news knows that these indicators of lack of trust exist in America today. A\u00a0<\/span><a style=\"background-color: white;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/politics\/2019\/07\/22\/trust-and-distrust-in-america\/\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">poll by the Pew Research Center about \u201cTrust and Distrust in America<\/a><span style=\"background-color: white; color: black;\">\u201d reveals what most Americans know all too well.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>At one level of analysis, the poll is a report card on how well politicians do the job of governing. But more than that, is is a report card on voters\u2019 lack of wisdom in choosing elected leaders that are trustworthy. Voters and politicians are both failing miserably.<\/p>\n<p>The consequences of voters\u2019 failure to exercise their civic responsibility to choose politicians with good character are startingly evident in the negative impacts on mental health and overall well-being that distrust generates:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em><strong>Depression and Anxiety:<\/strong>\u00a0Individuals with low levels of trust are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety such as:<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><em>Increased feelings of loneliness and isolation<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Heightened stress and worry about relationships<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Negative thought patterns and expectations<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em><strong>Relationship Difficulties:<\/strong>\u00a0Trust issues can severely impact a person&#8217;s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. This can manifest as:<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><em>Difficulty being vulnerable or emotionally intimate with others<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Constant suspicion of partners&#8217; motives or actions<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Jealous behaviors and excessive &#8220;fact-checking&#8221;<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>The resulting relationship instability and lack of social support can further compound mental health challenges.<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em><strong>Reduced Life Satisfaction<\/strong>: Low interpersonal trust is associated with lower overall life satisfaction and subjective well-being. People who struggle to trust others may:<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><em>Have smaller social networks<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Experience less fulfillment from relationships<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Feel less secure in their daily lives<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em><strong>Increased Mental Distress:<\/strong>\u00a0Studies have found that low trust in others is a risk factor for frequent mental distress. This can lead to:<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><em>Higher levels of perceived stress<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>More days feeling mentally unwell<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Greater difficulty coping with life challenges<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em><strong>Potential for Mental Disorders:<\/strong>\u00a0While trust issues alone do not constitute a mental illness, severe lack of trust can be associated with or exacerbate certain mental health conditions, including:<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><em>Attachment disorders<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Personality disorders<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Psychotic disorders with paranoid features<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em><strong>Physiological Effects:<\/strong>\u00a0Chronic distrust can trigger the body&#8217;s stress response, potentially leading to:<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><em>Sleep disturbances<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Weakened immune function<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Increased risk of physical health issues<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a style=\"background-color: white; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif;\" href=\"https:\/\/mhanational.org\/issues\/state-mental-health-america\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">Mental Health America conducted a study of mental health in America.<\/a><span style=\"background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif;\">\u00a0Here are the key findings:<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"has-inline-images my-2 first:mt-0 [&amp;:has([data-inline-type=image])+&amp;:has([data-inline-type=image])_[data-inline-type=image]]:hidden [&amp;:has(table)_[data-inline-type=image]]:hidden\">\n<div class=\"prose dark:prose-invert inline leading-relaxed break-words min-w-0 [word-break:break-word] prose-strong:font-bold [&amp;_&gt;*:first-child]:mt-0 [&amp;_&gt;*:last-child]:mb-0\">\n<div data-renderer=\"lm\">\n<div class=\"captioned-image-container\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"image2-inset can-restack\">\n<picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!Xq-r!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F605f4f02-0960-498f-86e1-cdc73a4d227b_578x751.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!Xq-r!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F605f4f02-0960-498f-86e1-cdc73a4d227b_578x751.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!Xq-r!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F605f4f02-0960-498f-86e1-cdc73a4d227b_578x751.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!Xq-r!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F605f4f02-0960-498f-86e1-cdc73a4d227b_578x751.png 1456w\" type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"100vw\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"sizing-normal\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!Xq-r!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F605f4f02-0960-498f-86e1-cdc73a4d227b_578x751.png\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!Xq-r!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F605f4f02-0960-498f-86e1-cdc73a4d227b_578x751.png 424w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!Xq-r!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F605f4f02-0960-498f-86e1-cdc73a4d227b_578x751.png 848w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!Xq-r!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F605f4f02-0960-498f-86e1-cdc73a4d227b_578x751.png 1272w, https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!Xq-r!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F605f4f02-0960-498f-86e1-cdc73a4d227b_578x751.png 1456w\" alt=\"\" width=\"578\" height=\"751\" data-attrs=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/images\/605f4f02-0960-498f-86e1-cdc73a4d227b_578x751.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:751,&quot;width&quot;:578,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:402071,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image\/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:null,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}\" \/><\/picture>\n<div class=\"image-link-expand\">\n<div class=\"pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"background-color: white; color: black; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif;\">This study quantifies the consequences of raging distrust that exists in America today. The summary below reports how breakdown of trust in politicians, institutions and fellow Americans causes all kinds of social, political and economic problems:<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<ul class=\"marker:text-quiet list-disc pl-8\" style=\"list-style-type: circle;\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul class=\"marker:text-quiet list-disc pl-8\" style=\"list-style-type: circle;\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Political polarization and partisan gridlock<\/li>\n<li>Gun violence and crime<\/li>\n<li>Drug addiction<\/li>\n<li>Mental health crisis<\/li>\n<li>Racism and social inequality<\/li>\n<li>Healthcare affordability and access<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The common elements of these problems are distrust, anxiety and fear.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychchange.org\/fear-and-distrust.html\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">Psychologists for Social Change<\/a>\u00a0explains the relationship between distrust and fear this way:<\/p>\n<div class=\"pullquote\">\n<p style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"><em>Fear and distrust are central to many mental health problems. Life events which are rated as dangerous are known to cause experiences of serious anxiety. Societies which are less trusting, also tend to be less equal, and have higher levels of mental health diagnoses. High levels of distrust are associated with an 80% increase in overall reported poor health. Low levels of trust also increase the chance of being diagnosed with depression by nearly 50%. People who live in neighborhoods which have high levels of distrust also have increased levels of all mental health problems, particularly psychosis. Loss of trust in the world and others is also known to be a precursor to suicide. Policies which increase distrust within and between communities are therefore poisonous to both community cohesion and individual mental health.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>This analysis makes a powerful argument for electing trustworthy politicians with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.viacharacter.org\/character-strengths\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">good character.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><br \/>\n<strong>DISTRUST OF POLITICIANS LEADS TO DISTRUST OF OTHERS<\/strong><br \/>\nBlaming others for problems is a common rhetorical theme in American politics. Blaming others for problems is a sign of poor character and mental health immaturity.\u00a0 President Trump is well-known for his readiness to blame others for all kinds of problems. In fact, <a href=\"https:\/\/thewaywesee.com\/understanddjt\/fear\/president-trumps-relationship-with-fear-2\/fear-of-being-held-legally-accountable-for-his-actions\/\">avoiding personal accountability for problems he has created is one of Trump&#8217;s fears.<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"header-anchor-post\"><span style=\"font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"background-color: white; color: black; font-weight: 300; font-size: 16px;\">Low-level, pervasive, distrust makes it easy for Americans to blame other Americans \u2014 especially politicians, government, poor people of color and immigrants \u2014 for their problems. Politicians reinforce this thinking by blaming those \u201cothers\u201d for problems politicians have created. Blaming others exacerbates social\/political division and deflects personal responsibility for America\u2019s problems. This is evidence of immature mental health. By blaming others for his problems, Trump has normalized distrust for many Americans.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Creating a \u201cboogeyman\u201d is a proven way to build party loyalty, attract voters and appeal for money. Hitler used this strategy effectively to make Jews the enemy of Germany. Christian Nationalists use the strategy to amp up the fears many Americans have about immigrants.<\/p>\n<p>By blaming others for problems, politicians excuse themselves and voters from personal responsibility for problems. Politicians who present themselves as saviors from undesirable circumstances make it easy for voters to focus on self-serving policies and conspiracy theories. The electorate rewards that rhetoric with money and votes. These unhealthy, dysfunctional relationships exist because voters don\u2019t know good character from bad and don\u2019t discern lies from truth.<\/p>\n<p>Once they are in office, politicians face the realities of governing in a hostile environment and realize that they are unable to fulfill promises made to voters. Politicians then work hard to deflect voters from their failed promises by blaming others. Failed promises and ineffective governing breeds distrust of politicians and government. Nevertheless, because most Americans sincerely want to use their voting power to effect change, they hold their noses and vote for politicians that they don\u2019t really trust. They don\u2019t know that there is a better way to practice democracy<\/p>\n<p>And so the cycle continues. It\u2019s the democratic way, but Americans must face the reality that the system doesn\u2019t work because they don\u2019t know enough to vote for character.<\/p>\n<p>Although this is a highly simplified analysis, it makes three critical points:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>Voters look to politicians to solve America\u2019s problems with legislation.<\/li>\n<li>Voters do not consider how they personally contribute to America\u2019s problems.<\/li>\n<li>Voters tend to choose elected officials on the basis of campaign rhetoric that includes appealing legislative ideas and party affiliation \u2014 not on the basis of character.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>It should be obvious to all Americans that politicians with poor character will not govern to achieve the aspirations of the Preamble to the Constitution:<\/p>\n<div class=\"pullquote\">\n<p>&#8220;We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The Preamble outlines six broad goals for government:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>Form a more perfect Union that is not divided along racial, social, economic, political, religious or educational lines<\/li>\n<li>Establish Justice for all Americans<\/li>\n<li>Insure domestic Tranquility for all Americans<\/li>\n<li>Provide for the common defense<\/li>\n<li>Promote the general Welfare for all Americans<\/li>\n<li>Secure the Blessings of Liberty for current and future generations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Whether they know the Preamble or not, these are the unspoken aspirations (i.e. dreams) of all Americans. Because these aspirations are not realized, Americans put the onus on politicians to fix the problems that obstruct their aspirations. But, because politicians with poor character can\u2019t\/won\u2019t fix the problems, angry, disappointed voters don\u2019t trust them. Worse yet, it is often true that people who don\u2019t trust a particular leader will also not trust fellow Americans who do trust that leader. This means that distrust is toxic, contagious and breeds social\/political division.<\/p>\n<p>Here are the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simpplr.com\/blog\/2021\/10-characteristics-bad-leadership\/\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">character qualities of poor leaders<\/a>\u00a0that cause distrust:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simpplr.com\/blog\/2021\/10-characteristics-bad-leadership\/#What-is-leadership\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">What is leadership?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simpplr.com\/blog\/2021\/10-characteristics-bad-leadership\/#What-is-bad-leadership\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">What is bad leadership?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simpplr.com\/blog\/2021\/10-characteristics-bad-leadership\/#Bad-leaders-lack-empathy\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">Bad leaders lack empathy<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simpplr.com\/blog\/2021\/10-characteristics-bad-leadership\/#Bad-leaders-micromanage\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">Bad leaders micromanage<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simpplr.com\/blog\/2021\/10-characteristics-bad-leadership\/#Bad-leaders-communicate-poorly\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">Bad leaders communicate poorly<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simpplr.com\/blog\/2021\/10-characteristics-bad-leadership\/#Bad-leaders-are-egotistical\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">Bad leaders are egotistical<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simpplr.com\/blog\/2021\/10-characteristics-bad-leadership\/#Bad-leaders-resist-change\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">Bad leaders resist change<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simpplr.com\/blog\/2021\/10-characteristics-bad-leadership\/#Bad-leaders-lack-vision-or-direction\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">Bad leaders lack vision or direction<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simpplr.com\/blog\/2021\/10-characteristics-bad-leadership\/#Bad-leaders-have-a-negative-mindset\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">Bad leaders have a negative mindset<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simpplr.com\/blog\/2021\/10-characteristics-bad-leadership\/#Bad-leaders-are-inconsistent\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">Bad leaders are inconsistent<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simpplr.com\/blog\/2021\/10-characteristics-bad-leadership\/#Bad-leaders-lack-transparency\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">Bad leaders lack transparency<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simpplr.com\/blog\/2021\/10-characteristics-bad-leadership\/#Bad-leaders-are-indecisive\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">Bad leaders are indecisive<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simpplr.com\/blog\/2021\/10-characteristics-bad-leadership\/#Avoid-the-pitfalls-of-bad-leadership\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">Avoid the pitfalls of bad leadership<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Politicians with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.viacharacter.org\/character-strengths\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">good character<\/a> understand that the toxic, relational dynamics of poor leadership spread like a virus throughout the country and spoil the unity called for in the Preamble. Therefore, politicians with good character will, to the best of their ability, legislate to satisfy the aspirations of all \u2014 not just some \u2014 Americans. But, it must be said that politicians with good character wouldn\u2019t legislate just appease Americans who do not live the American dream, or out of sympathy, morality, religious beliefs or social idealism. Of course politicians with good character will relate to the struggles of disaffected Americans, but their primary motivation will always be to legislate to achieve the goals and aspirations specified in the <a href=\"https:\/\/thewaywesee.com\/understanddjt\/deia-sdo-r-wa-and-fear\/1\/#preamble\">Preamble to the Constitution.<\/a> They would be the ideal models of true patriots. This is another sense in which they are leaders with good character.<\/p>\n<p>The dilemma for politicians is that once they are in office, their primary interest is to get reelected. The pressing realities of fundraising inhibit their ability to fulfill promises made to voters so they can focus on the business of governing for the <a href=\"https:\/\/thewaywesee.com\/understanddjt\/deia-sdo-r-wa-and-fear\/1\/#preamble\">common good of all Americans as outlined in the Preamble to the Constitution.<\/a> In other words, trust in politicians begins to deteriorate as soon as they get elected. Voters would be able to predict this outcome if they qualified candidates for office on the basis of character \u2014 not campaign rhetoric and promises. Self-serving obsession on reelection is an indicator of bad character. Good character always focuses on the interests of others \u2014 not on self.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>TRUMP IS MORE THAN A POLITICAL PROBLEM In America&#8217;s two-party political system, Democrats tend to have a narrow view of Trump as a political problem to be solved. This perspective drives political strategies that focus on votes that will remove Trump and his political allies from office. It also fails to <span class=\"excerpt-dots\">&hellip;<\/span> <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/thewaywesee.com\/understanddjt\/mental-health\/effects-of-trumps-mental-health-on-america\/\"><span class=\"more-msg\">Continue reading &rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":170,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-724","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>TRUMP&#039;S MENTAL HEALTH DESTROYS TRUST - Donald Trump: Understanding the Man and His Followers<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/thewaywesee.com\/understanddjt\/mental-health\/effects-of-trumps-mental-health-on-america\/\" \/>\n<link rel=\"next\" href=\"https:\/\/thewaywesee.com\/understanddjt\/mental-health\/effects-of-trumps-mental-health-on-america\/2\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"TRUMP&#039;S MENTAL HEALTH DESTROYS TRUST - Donald Trump: Understanding the Man and His Followers\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"TRUMP IS MORE THAN A POLITICAL PROBLEM In America&#8217;s two-party political system, Democrats tend to have a narrow view of Trump as a political problem to be solved. 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