Politicians carry the world on their shoulders, but they’re mere mortals subject to the same human weaknesses as the rest of us.

Solving the biggest issues of our time, like the climate crisis, war and inequality, will require excellent representative leaders who can work at the peak of their abilities.

We interviewed and surveyed more than 150 politicians, academics, political leadership entrepreneurs and parties to find out the state of politicians' mental wellbeing and how it can be supported.

The politicians we surveyed had lower mental wellbeing than emergency-service employees.

It's a difficult but satisfying job.

We can do things to support them.

Interested in seeing more?

List

Trailblazing Organizations Supporting Politicians’ Mental Wellbeing

This list recognizes organizations that are addressing the importance of mental wellbeing in politics for citizens and democracy. We’ve also included a selection of organizations working on the issues that negatively influence mental wellbeing, particularly online harassment, lack of representation and feelings of isolation. If you know an organization that should be on the list, let us know at info@betterpolitics.foundation.

Database

Mental Wellbeing Interventions and Resources

The interventions in this list either work on politicians’ mental wellbeing directly or address one of the major wellbeing influences identified in our Mere Mortals report. It is a starting point; we know we’ve likely missed great interventions and want to hear about them.

Mere Mortals: the State of Politicians' Mental Wellbeing and Why It Matters

A report from the Better Politics Foundation