29 April 2005
Would-be MPs need to beware of more than party whips and unscrupulous journalists as they embark on their political careers, a charity has warned.
Maca — the Mental After-Care Association — has estimated that almost one in ten MPs in the new Parliament may find themselves seeking psychiatric help.
A survey of MPs conducted by the charity found that 9% of MPs had visited a doctor for help or treatment for a mental health problem. If replicated across the Commons, this could mean 60 MPs have sought psychiatric help.
In addition, 44% of MPs said they found their job 'very stressful', while a further 46% described it as 'quite stressful'.
Maca chief executive Gil Hitchon said MPs' stress levels were unsurprising, given their working hours and range of responsibilities. 'Nor is it surprising that a significant percentage of them have sought medical help for mental health problems,' he said.
'MPs and candidates seeking election during the current campaign should keep mental health in mind.'
The survey also assessed MPs' awareness of broader mental health issues and found that 81% were aware of proposed changes to the 1983 Mental Health Act. More than 90% also reported that constituents often raised mental health issues with them.
'It's good that so many MPs have an awareness of these issues, and know about mental ill health either through their own experience or through that of their friends and family,' Hitchon said.
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