A Woman Set Up A Therapy Booth for People with Trump-Induced Anxiety. Too Far Away? These Powerful Moves Can Help

A Los Angeles performance artist looking to brighten people’s lives and reduce their anxiety set up a makeshift therapy booth for people with a non-clinical condition called Trump-Induced Anxiety, and let’s just say that the number of people paying five cents for a session has skyrocketed in recent years.

Denise McCanles set up the booth years ago as the irritating realities of the Trump administration came to light. So far, the booth has drawn attention from news outlets like The Los Angeles Times, not to mention, a few noteworthy individuals—like former Vice President Kamala Harris’ in-laws.

McCanles set up the booth to help people who are feeling stressed and anxious about the way President Donald Trump has managed the country. Using a combination of witty humor and gentle relaxation techniques, McCanles sidewalk therapy sessions have proven to provide a much-needed dose of relief for Americans coming from all directions.

According to McCanles, setting up the booth every day is quite the chore, requiring her to unload pounds of heavy materials from her vehicle needed to situate the booth. Despite the challenges, the helpful “doctor” has persevered, hoping to bring like-minded people together to share a few laughs and fun.

McCanles suffered a tragic loss in her family years ago and was inspired by the character Lucy from the cartoon Peanuts. She said the booth has not only helped a mostly older demographic but has also assisted her in dealing with tragedy.

For those who are unfamiliar, Trump Anxiety is a condition not recognized by mental health professionals that causes heightened fear, anxiety, and stress among people who tune in to news networks to witness the unfolding nightmare of the Trump presidency. Whether it’s due to the recent uptick in tariffs imposed on foreign nations, the ending of birthright citizenship, or his near-maniacal obsession with mass deportations, millions of Americans are frightened and upset, wondering when the series of anxiety-provoking executive actions will finally end.

McCanles is a ray of sunshine in a country stricken by one tumultuous political initiative after another. For many, a small token of relief comes in the form of a brief conversation with a sincere woman who’s doing everything she can to show she cares.

McCanles isn’t alone in her fight to help people ease the stress caused by the Trump administration. Nationwide, psychologists and therapists are seeing a surge in clientele experiencing anxiety caused by President Trump’s reign of power. Mental health professionals have been forced to react at unprecedented speeds by teaching clients how to spot the warning signs of dangerous anxiety. Experts are also revealing the behaviors and changes that would help people cope with this particularly troublesome form of anxiety, as more people enter clinics feeling rattled and broken down.

While the anxiety people are experiencing could persist throughout Trump’s second term, many are finding that therapy may be the only way to find relief. Even then, there are those who don’t seek therapy who are wondering what they can do at home to ease their stress.

Ignoring anxiety is not recommended by mental health professionals. Untreated anxiety may fester, lead to worse mental health problems, and is capable of capsizing anyone who seemed healthy before experiencing the anxiety. Coping techniques range from self-care to therapy and may vary depending on the severity of the anxiety.

One of the most straightforward approaches for dealing with anxiety caused by the Trump administration calls for complete separation—escaping the news cycle. Those who switch to different channels or read more soothing materials can instantaneously see a major reduction in anxiety.

To help with this task, families may wish to plan healthy alternatives to doomscrolling and being continuously fixated on the news. Even a week away from the vicious onslaught of nerve-wracking headlines can create room for positive thoughts, and time for healing and recovery.

While families may not need to pressure themselves into starting their own therapy booths, extending a hand towards those in need of emotional support is an anxiety-relieving exercise, one known to alleviate anxiety and stress, especially as it’s occurring.

Supporting others may come in the form of being a literal shoulder to cry on or something more substantial, like running errands for loved ones or providing a small measure of financial assistance. Often, even the slightest gesture of support is all that’s needed to curb anxiety and help people escape the terror and stress they’re experiencing.

Most people like the feeling of a nice, throaty, heartfelt laugh, but may not notice the way laughter affects the mind and body. Sharing a long moment of laughter with a stranger or loved one releases endorphins in the brain that are known to lift the mood and relieve stress and anxiety.

Whether it’s sitting down to watch a classic comedy or sharing stories meant to tickle the funny bone, laughter and fun instantly lift the spirits, distracting family’s attention from the dark, negative side of the world.

Just imagine a crisis unfolding on your television and then suddenly being blessed with an outright contagious laugh or joke. There may be few other ways to cure a case of the scaries than a long, sought-after, belly-aching laugh.

President Trump’s presidency has been far from calm and may be responsible for causing widespread anxiety among the public. Across the country, people are doing everything they can to find ways to support those who need emotional support as a direct result of Trump’s second term.

While anxiety can’t be cured overnight, escaping the news, supporting others, and finding a time to share a laugh can create the kind of relief Americans need, and prevent families from losing their minds amid a tense presidency. 

Are you experiencing anxiety over President Trump's presidency? If so, leave a comment below explaining what you do to cope with the stress.