More than one in ten MPs sought help for mental health problems in just one year. The data was published as MPs warned life at Westminster makes them feel powerless and lonely, while they struggle to cope with bullying on social media and from party managers.
Exclusive Freedom of Information figures show 69 MPs out of 650 in the House of Commons made an appointment with the Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner provided by the Parliamentary Health and Wellbeing Service in the 2021-22 financial year.
Another 50 MPs sought assistance in 2022-23 and 39 in 2023-24. A BBC documentary will today highlight the mental health crisis among our politicians with a warning that “anger and division” is making life a misery for MPs.
One former Minister said newly-elected MPs were shocked to discover how little power they had.
She said: “The whipping system can be very damaging. Traditionally, you know the whips office would withdraw funding from an MPs constituency. They might contact their political party locally.”
Social media abuse was also highlighted by many politicians. Carolyn Harris, deputy Leader of Labour in Wales, said: “You cannot say anything because the minute you try to justify what happened or put up a defence out, it gives it legs. My mental health was absolutely shot after that.”
The MP, who was not named, told BBC Radio 4: “You’re immediately incapable of making a difference. And I felt completely lost. And actually really lonely.”
Elliot Colburn, who shocked colleagues in February by revealing he had attempted to take his own life, said eight MPs approached him afterwards to say they had been through similar experiences.
Anne Milton, a former Deputy Chief Whip, said the archaic systems of Parliament were based on bullying and intimidation.
