Brain Gains & Campaign Trains: Turning tracks to wellness facts

How much attention do we pay to mental health as we grow into our roles as politicians? Does my political party provide guidelines on preventing burnout, addressing media harassment, or allocating resources for mentorship to enhance our performance as young politicians?

This year, the International Federation of Liberal Youth, in collaboration with the Council of Europe – European Youth Foundation, is dedicating its efforts to addressing and discussing mental well-being in (young) politics. Our first international event in Stockholm will focus on mapping, analyzing, and embedding mental well-being as a core topic in political life. We will explore key issues such as the nature of political work, the role of mental well-being in performance, the current state of support structures, challenges faced by underrepresented groups, and concrete recommendations for various stakeholders.

During the Stockholm event, participants will initiate a much-needed discussion on mental well-being in politics, focusing on empathy and stigma reduction. While we have previously addressed mental health in broader terms, political life presents unique challenges that require deeper conceptual clarity. By gathering member organizations from across Council of Europe states with direct political experience, we aim to systematize diverse local approaches and create a knowledge base.

This work is a crucial foundation for our next event, where we will introduce “Mental Well-being for Young Politicians 101”—a resource for those seeking to navigate political life with resilience and sustainability.

Join us in shaping a healthier political culture!