Let’s face it: since January 2025, American democracy has felt less like a stately cruise ship and more like a carnival ride operated by a sleep-deprived raccoon. For those brave souls who’ve chosen to fight the good fight against the Trump regime’s demolition derby of norms, every day brings a fresh “mini-trauma.” (Think: waking up to find the Constitution has been replaced by a Mad Libs page.)
But here’s the twist: instead of crumbling into a puddle of existential dread (though, let’s be honest, we’ve all been there), many activists are discovering something psychologists call “post-traumatic growth.” That’s right—what doesn’t kill you might just make you snarkier, stronger, and more determined to save the world, one protest at a time.1
Post-Traumatic Growth: Not Just a Fancy Term for “I Survived 2025”
Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is the psychological equivalent of finding a $20 bill in the pocket of the pants you just tore running from metaphorical political zombies. It’s the idea that, after wrestling with adversity—be it personal tragedy or, say, watching the EPA get replaced by the “Environmental Plundering Agency”—people can emerge with more grit, more profound relationships, and a newfound appreciation for the little things (like functioning government agencies) .
PTG isn’t just a feel-good slogan. Psychologists have studied it for decades, and it’s measured in areas like personal strength, new possibilities, and spiritual growth.2 In other words, it’s the silver lining in the storm cloud, minus the risk of electrocution.
Activism: The Emotional CrossFit You Didn’t Ask For
Being an activist in the Trump era is a bit like signing up for a marathon, only to discover it’s actually a Tough Mudder, and the mud is made of Twitter outrage and Supreme Court decisions. Every day brings a new headline that makes you want to scream into a pillow , or at least invest in a stress ball shaped like the White House.
But here’s the kicker: while activism can lead to burnout (and yes, there are days when “self-care” means eating ice cream straight from the carton while doomscrolling), it can also be a source of profound growth.3 Activists often report that the sense of purpose, camaraderie, and sheer stubbornness they develop outweighs the emotional toll. It’s like emotional CrossFit—painful, exhausting, but ultimately empowering.
Trauma, But Make It a Team Sport
One of the secret weapons in the activist’s arsenal? Community. When the going gets tough, the tough get group chats. Activist circles become support groups, therapy sessions, and meme factories all rolled into one. Sharing the load (and the latest political memes) helps transform trauma into resilience. It’s collective post-traumatic growth: the more the regime tries to break you, the more you and your comrades become an unbreakable, if slightly sleep-deprived, force.4
And let’s not forget the power of humor. From protest signs that read “I Can’t Believe I Still Have to Protest This Crap” to viral TikToks lampooning the latest policy disaster, laughter becomes both a coping mechanism and a rallying cry. As one wise activist put it, “If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry—and then you’ll have to reapply your mascara” .
The Upshot: More Growth Than Harm?
So, does activism in the Trump era lead to more post-traumatic growth than harm? The evidence suggests absolutely, as long as you have a good support network, a sense of purpose, and maybe a therapist on speed dial. Activists are not just surviving the onslaught—they’re evolving, building stronger communities, and finding new ways to fight back (with a side of sarcasm) .567
Sure, there are days when the news feels like a never-ending episode of “Black Mirror.” But for many, the struggle itself is transformative. The old saying “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger” has never felt more apt—though, in 2025, it might be more accurate to say, “What doesn’t kill us makes us snarkier, savvier, and more determined to keep fighting for a better tomorrow.”
And remember: if you can’t change the world today, at least you can make it laugh. That’s a start.
(This article was brought to you by Your Friendly Neighborhood Satirical Psychologist and the letters P, T, and G, and the number of times you’ve had to explain to your relatives why democracy is worth saving.)
Thank you! This was the perfect article to read today! I appreciate you!