Burnout in the Bundestag: A Silent Problem Among Legislators

Members of the German Bundestag often work under immense pressure and put in long hours. Yet many feel their work lacks fulfillment, as therapist Katharina Simons explains. This discrepancy between the amount of work and the feeling of meaninglessness raises questions. Younger legislators, in particular, are increasingly willing to speak openly about their experiences with burnout. But is this enough to tackle the issue? The challenges in political life are diverse, and it requires more than just an open dialogue to promote the mental health of parliamentarians. Politics must urgently take measures to support the well-being of legislators and create a culture where discussing mental health is not only accepted but encouraged.