What the Mental Health of Politicians Reveals About Stress, Resilience, and Burnout

Politics is a relentless, high-pressure world where leaders are expected to perform at their peak—no matter the cost. But what happens when that cost is mental health?

Donald Trump has long been a divisive figure, known for his unapologetic style, aggressive rhetoric, and disregard for traditional political norms. Whether you admire or criticise him, one thing is clear: his leadership has sparked intense stress, division, and emotional reactions worldwide. But instead of debating his politics, let’s look at a bigger question—what does the Trump era tell us about the mental health of politicians and, by extension, ourselves?

Politicians: Superhuman Expectations, Human Consequences

I remember attending the Wellbeing at Work exhibition at the NEC Birmingham, where Dr Ashley Weinberg delivered a thought-provoking talk on the mental health of politicians. He reminded us of a harsh reality:

🔹 The Ideal: Politicians should be enlightened, rational individuals, mature enough to handle intense pressures with grace. (John Stuart Mill, 1859)
🔹 The Reality: They suffer from broken marriages, ruined health, and exhausted irrationality. (Edwina Currie, 1992)

The statistics are alarming:
📉 69% of Scottish MSPs reported experiencing depression, anxiety, or stress (Holyrood Survey, 2021)
📉 Reports of bullying and harassment are widespread in UK politics (Cox, 2018; White, 2019)

And yet, politicians are expected to make life-changing decisions, lead nations, and remain mentally resilient, all while facing relentless public scrutiny, online abuse, and 24/7 demands.

Having worked with an MP and their constituency office, I’ve seen firsthand the constant crisis mode they operate in. One MP told me that every time their office closes for a bank holiday, their staff dread returning—because they know they’ll be faced with over 2,000 WhatsApp messages. There is no off-switch.

Now, let’s take that pressure performance curve—the model that shows how stress can either enhance or destroy performance—and apply it here.

The Pressure Performance Curve: When Stress Becomes Destructive

The Yerkes-Dodson Law (often called the pressure performance curve) shows that:

• A little stress can be beneficial—it sharpens focus and enhances performance.
• Too much stress leads to burnout, irrational decision-making, and mental exhaustion.

Politicians don’t just work under stress—they live in chronic high-stress environments, often tipping into burnout, poor judgment, and erratic behaviour.

Sound familiar? It should—many of us operate like this too.

What Trump’s Leadership Taught Us About Mental Health

Before Trump became president, I read The Making of Donald Trump by David Cay Johnston. It was a fascinating deep dive into his business empire, media strategy, and leadership style. Even then, one thing stood out—his ability to create intense emotional reactions. Love him or hate him, he knew how to dominate the conversation.

His presidency wasn’t just politically disruptive but psychologically exhausting for many. Studies showed that his tenure led to higher stress levels, increased anxiety, and even “Trump Anxiety Disorder” in the U.S., where people reported feeling constantly on edge, helpless, or emotionally drained by political turmoil.

At the same time, Trump himself displayed traits of extreme confidence, denial of weaknesses, and dismissive attitudes toward mental health—qualities that, in some cases, can be linked to leaders who struggle to cope under extreme pressure.

And his administration? It actively rolled back mental health policies—including restricting access to mental health medication for children (Scientific American). The irony? A government that ignored mental health support while operating in an environment that desperately needed it.

What This Means for You

It’s easy to point fingers at politicians, but let’s be honest—many of us don’t prioritise our own mental well-being either. Whenever I ask people, “Do you prioritise your well-being?” the most common responses are:

❌ “I don’t have time.”
❌ “I’m too tired.”
❌ “It feels selfish.”

But here’s the reality: if you don’t prioritise your well-being, you’ll pay for it with your health.

🔹 Politicians are burning out because they don’t stop.
🔹 You’re burning out because you don’t stop.

The difference? You have the choice to change that.

If politicians—some of the most powerful people in the world—need mental health support, what makes you think you don’t?

It’s time to step back, reset, and take control of your well-being—before stress makes that decision for you.

Final Thought

If nothing else, remember this:

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” — Anne Lamott

So… when was the last time you unplugged?

P.S.

Your well-being isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. If you’re always in ‘crisis mode,’ you’ll crash. Prioritise yourself before burnout makes that decision for you.

Mike Lawrence: Your Guide to Health & Wellbeing

I’m Mike Lawrence, a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve dedicated myself to a journey of self-improvement and helping others thrive. From heart-pounding skydives for charity to soul-enriching travels in Thailand, my experiences have shaped my approach to holistic health.

I love sharing the lessons I’ve learned from these adventures and the powerful audiobooks I devour. Let’s explore the paths to better mental and physical health together. Embrace life’s adventures with enthusiasm and resilience, and remember—you’re never alone on this journey!

Feel free to email me at hello@mikelawrence.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. For more in-depth insights and inspiring stories, read my latest blogs here. Together, let’s create a healthier, happier future!