How political polarization causes real psychological trauma

Psychiatrist Farid Sabet-Sharghi discusses his article, "The psychological trauma of polarization." Farid explains how the human psyche is evolutionarily wired for connection, making the current climate of hostility and division deeply traumatic. He connects the panic and anxiety seen in his clinic to the reactivation of childhood wounds, where global discord mimics the volatility of a troubled family system. The discussion highlights the visceral impact of the 24-hour news cycle and offers clinical strategies for reclaiming agency through setting boundaries. Learn why unity is not just a social ideal but a fundamental psychological necessity for mental health.