‘I didn’t know who to talk to’: MPs on the hidden toll on their mental health

While a handful of politicians have openly discussed the stresses of their job, the scale of the problem appears far greater

It was a year after they were made a minister when the MP had the second breakdown of their political career, and realised they simply had no idea what to do next: I was so terrified. I didn't know who to talk to. There didn't seem to be anybody I could trust.

A family member told me to take time off. But as a minister if you were to say you needed time off sick, the whips would go, Yeah, fine. We'll get someone else to do your job.' It's often easier to keep your head down and pretend."