MPs hit by Westminster stress
Most MPs believe that being an MP is more stressful that any other job they have held.
That is the finding of a new report from mental-health charity Maca.
Its new report, Wellbeing in Westminster, found that nine per cent of MPs have visited a doctor to seek help or treatment for a mental health problem.
If that figure is constant across the whole of Parliament – only 80 MPs responded – it could mean that around 60 MPs have sought psychiatric help.
Overall, 90 per cent said they found the job “very stressful” or “quite stressful”, and a further 62 per cent said that being an MP was the most stressful position they have held.
“MPs have to combine a wide range of responsibilities and work unsocial hours, and it’s not surprising that many of them find it stressful,” commented Maca’s chief executive, Gil Hitchon.
“MPs, and candidates seeking election during the current campaign, should keep mental health in mind.
“That doesn’t just mean following mental health issues, helping constituents with mental health needs, and working for better mental health services and legislation. It means focusing on their own mental wellbeing too.”
Mr Hitchon also pointed out that one in four people will experience mental health problems at some time in their life.
