CONCLUSION

CONCLUSION Conclusion

Parliamentarians and parliamentary support staff face unique challenges to their mental health. They work in high-pressure environments, often characterised by demanding working hours, long-standing cultures of abuse and harassment, intensifying public scrutiny, competitiveness and tension between control and outcomes in the performance of their duties. That these are risk factors for mental ill health are obvious. Mental health support in Parliament starts with an open and honest investigation of the needs, followed by gaining commitment from relevant decisionmakers to change the status quo, implementing evidence-based strategies, and continuously monitoring and evaluating progress.

There can be no health without mental health, and this is as true for Parliamentarians and support staff as it is for anyone else. There are several support options available which can be chosen from and customised to suit your Parliament’s needs. It is incumbent on all Parliaments to protect and promote the mental health of Parliamentarians and support staff to ensure healthy parliamentary life, meaningful productivity in Parliament, and, ultimately, healthy democracies.