Trump-induced Anxiety Spreads north: Canadians Fearful Amid Tariff Threats adn Political Uncertainty
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Ottawa, ON – The political climate south of the border is causing a ripple effect of anxiety among Canadians, with concerns ranging from economic instability to fears about the future. President Donald Trump’s policies and rhetoric have sparked worry, leading to protests and increased demand for mental health support. Steve Whitwill, Louisa Fenner, and Crysta Balis were among those who gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa this week to voice their anxieties, highlighting a growing trend of “Trump anxiety” spreading north. The multifaceted concerns include tariff threats, the halting of support to Ukraine, and what many perceive as antagonistic rhetoric directed towards Canada.
During President Trump’s first term, a wave of anxiety
was observed among many Americans. Now, in the first 45 days of his second term, that anxiety has spread across the border, impacting Canadians from all walks of life. The concerns are multifaceted, encompassing tariff threats, the halting of support to Ukraine, and what many perceive as antagonistic rhetoric directed towards Canada. This has led to increased demand for mental health services and public demonstrations expressing concern.
The impact is being felt acutely by individuals like Steve Whitwill, 72, who admits that watching Trump on television causes his blood pressure to spike. Whitwill fears potential economic repercussions and even the possibility of military action against Canada. [It] keeps me awake at night,
he said, adding that he resorts to music to cope with sleeplessness.
Louisa Fenner is also feeling the strain, especially concerning her financial future. I’m within 10 years of retirement and I’m watching my RSP [Retirement Savings Plan] fall as of the tariff threats,
Fenner explained. She is now seeking to limit her exposure to risk and exploring investments in Canadian businesses, revealing that she contacted her broker early on, asking, what do I do?
Crysta Balis, another protester outside the U.S. Embassy,expressed deep concerns about her children’s future. Holding a sign that read, We serve poutine not Putin,
Balis emphasized the seriousness of her fears. They’ve lived the best, freest years of their life so far,
she said, explaining that protesting was a way for her to take concrete action and address her anxiety. I needed to do something. I needed to feel like I was part of something,
Balis stated. And I’m showing my kids that we fight for freedom.
Psychologists Report a Surge in Anxiety
six psychologists interviewed reported a noticeable increase in anxiety among their clients related to the current political climate. Heather Anderson, a clinical psychologist and owner of grounded Psychology in Ottawa, described a huge spike
in clients experiencing anxiety related to the Trump management.There’s a lot of anxiety, a lot of fear and a lot of anger in relation to what’s happening in the States and the politics,
Anderson said.
there’s a lot of anxiety, a lot of fear and a lot of anger in relation to what’s happening in the States and the politics.
– Heather Anderson, Grounded Psychology
Anderson noted that the 12 therapists in her practice have reported similar concerns from clients, emphasizing that This is not the occasional person that is experiencing this. This is across the board.
She also revealed that she has received inquiries from American therapists seeking employment in canada, stating, They don’t feel safe working in the States. I’ve actually had American therapists reach out to see if they can come and work in Canada … it’s not only clients, but therapists as well who are feeling this strain.
Jessica Kurta, a clinical psychologist and owner of Sherwood Psychology in Ottawa, highlighted the challenges parents face in discussing the political situation with their children, noting that some clients have reported their children feeling more anxious than usual. Kurta advises parents to meet them where they’re at and say, ‘What have you heard?’
She also stressed the importance of keeping the data age-appropriate, advising, You want to keep it age-appropriate, right? You don’t want to give unneeded data or kind of delve deeply into topics that they’re just not ready for.
Coping mechanisms and Financial reassurance
Ottawa psychologist Julie Beaulac advises individuals experiencing anxiety over the political climate to prioritize self-care before consuming news. Create a practice to check in with yourself,
she told CBC. Whether it be some sort of mindfulness, or breath work, or exercise, or spending time in nature with loved ones or a pet — to start your day by laying the foundation for getting curious rather than judgmental.
David McGruer, a financial advisor with Investia Financial Services in Ottawa, acknowledged that he has heard from clients worried about their investments. He emphasized that his role is to plan around political uncertainty and reassure clients.The therapy that we provide,
he said, is: ‘Yes, you will be OK. We’ve seen this before. … It isn’t going to break your financial plan.’
Acknowledging the Reality of the Moment
Jordan Ali, an Ottawa psychologist, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the reality of the current situation when providing therapy. It’s borderline unethical to try to convince someone to be OK when the things around them are not OK,
Ali stated. Psychotherapy has to be integrated with a recognition of the reality at the moment.
While he may not always have answers, Ali believes that simply sharing experiences can be beneficial for his clients. Just to know that they’re not alone in experiencing those things and not necessarily off the mark for experiencing those fears,
he said.
Transborder anxiety: How Trump’s Policies Ripple Across teh Canadian Psyche
Is it possible that geopolitical anxieties can significantly impact the mental and economic well-being of an entire nation? The current anxieties in Canada suggest a resounding yes.
interviewer: Dr. Anya Sharma,a leading expert in cross-border psychology and economics,welcome to World today News. Your recent research focuses on the psychological and financial impact of international political events on neighboring countries. Let’s dive into the anxieties currently gripping Canada as a result of political shifts south of the border.
dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical conversation, particularly given the interconnectedness of modern economies and the influence of global politics on individual well-being. The anxieties experienced by Canadians stemming from U.S. political developments highlight a notable truth: national borders cannot contain the impact of political instability.
Interviewer: The article details a surge in anxiety amongst Canadians linked to President Trump’s policies. Can you elaborate on the specific psychological and economic anxieties driving this trend?
Dr. Sharma: Absolutely.The anxieties impacting Canadians are multifaceted and stem from a complex interplay of factors tied to economic uncertainty and policy changes. We’re seeing a significant increase in:
Economic Anxiety: Concerns over potential trade wars,tariff increases,and overall economic instability are triggering substantial financial worry. This is especially pronounced amongst those nearing retirement, as shown by the concerns of individuals cited in the article who are watching their retirement savings dwindle due to market volatility.This uncertainty breeds anxiety related to future financial security and retirement planning.
political Uncertainty: the unpredictable nature of policies related to international alliances, trade agreements, and immigration reform generates a sense of instability, fueling feelings of anxiety and insecurity. Canadians, like many others around the globe, rely on a stable political environment for long-term economic planning and personal security. Policy shifts outside their control lead to psychological distress regarding the future.
* National Security Concerns: Perceived antagonistic rhetoric and shifts in foreign policy can impact feelings of safety and security. This is not necessarily about immediate physical threat, but rather about the erosion of trust in international relations and the absence of predictable interactions between neighboring countries.
Interviewer: The article mentions a rise in demand for mental health services. How are therapists and psychologists addressing these anxieties?
Dr.Sharma: Mental health professionals are adapting to this increased demand by providing various support avenues. This includes employing evidence-based interventions to manage anxiety, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based techniques. Therapists are creating safe spaces to allow individuals to process their apprehension and anxiety related to political uncertainty. further, psychologists are emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the validity of these feelings—it’s crucial to validate clients’ anxieties rather than dismissing them as irrational fears. Also, community-based support groups and educational resources are being developed to help people cope collectively.Educational programs teaching coping mechanisms for uncertainty and financial resilience are seeing increased demand.
Interviewer: The article suggests some Canadians are taking proactive steps, such as shifting investment strategies or participating in protests. How significant is this change?
Dr. Sharma: These actions represent people directly taking ownership of their anxieties and attempting to mitigate their concerns. Shifting investment strategies demonstrates financial precautions in the face of uncertainty—risk management is a key element of coping mechanisms and resilience-building strategies. Similarly, participating in protests is a tangible way to process anger and fears, translating helplessness into collective action. These represent healthy and adaptive responses to a volatile situation. It showcases the strength of resilience and the human quest for self-efficacy.
Interviewer: What advice would you offer to Canadians, and indeed, individuals in similar situations globally, who are experiencing these Trump-induced anxieties?
Dr. Sharma: My advice is multifaceted:
- Prioritize self-care: Engage in activities promoting emotional well-being,such as mindfulness,exercise,and spending time with loved ones. Building a support network—friends, family, or therapy groups—is crucial. Building financial resilience is another way to prepare.
- Seek professional help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional if you’re struggling to manage your anxiety.
- Engage in informed discussions: Seek out reliable information while limiting exposure to sensationalized news narratives.
- practise mindful information consumption: Control your exposure to sources of information that perpetuate anxiety.
- Focus on what you can control: Concentrate your energy on matters within your sphere of influence—such as financial planning, personal relationships, and mental well-being strategies.
Interviewer: Dr. Sharma, thank you for providing such insightful and actionable advice. This conversation emphasizes the critical need to address the far-reaching consequences of political uncertainty on mental and economic well-being.
Concluding Thoughts:
The anxiety stemming from international political events is a complex issue with long-term ramifications for individuals and nations alike. By understanding the psychological and economic factors at play, and by implementing adaptive coping strategies, we can better navigate these challenging times. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!