A German politician, Michael Roth, has expressed concerns about the mental health of his colleagues in the Bundestag, citing the pressure to constantly be in the public eye and the potential for addiction to the attention. Roth, a member of the Social Democratic Party, has been a member of the Bundestag for 27 years and has spoken publicly about his own struggles with mental health, having been diagnosed with a mental illness in 2022.
According to Roth, the pressure to be constantly visible and the desire for attention can lead to a kind of addiction, which he believes is a significant threat to the mental well-being of politicians. He suggests that the constant need for validation and the fear of being left out can make politicians neglect their own mental health and well-being.
Roth, who is stepping down from his position in the Bundestag, stated that he has learned to prioritize his own well-being and has come to realize the importance of taking time for oneself, free from the constant need for attention and validation. He emphasized the need for a better work-life balance and the importance of taking care of one’s mental health.
The politician also spoke about the pressure to conform to certain expectations and the fear of being criticized or left out, which can lead to a sense of burnout and exhaustion. He believes that this pressure can be particularly strong for young politicians, who may feel the need to constantly prove themselves and seek validation through social media.
Roth’s comments have been seen as a warning to his colleagues, urging them to prioritize their mental health and well-being and to avoid the pitfalls of a life in politics, which can be all-consuming and damaging to one’s mental health if not managed properly.