Between commitment and burnout: Mental health in politics
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Democracy thrives on the commitment of those who take on responsibility. But what does it actually mean to be politically active today—under constant pressure, with tightly packed schedules, perpetual public scrutiny, and ever-increasing expectations? And what do these challenges mean for the mental health of those involved in party politics?
The fact is: burnout, chronic stress, and hostility have long been part of everyday political life. Yet, these issues are still discussed far too rarely. The consequences are already foreseeable and affect us all: more and more politicians are withdrawing, stepping down from office, or reducing their involvement. What may seem like isolated cases is actually a structural problem that raises fundamental questions about the future of political participation.
In our digital expert forum, we address these very questions:
- What makes political work so stressful—and who is most at risk?
- What does this mean for those who take on responsibility—and for our democracy as a whole?
The starting point is the book "Wer macht’s noch?" by Tannaz Falaknaz and Cécile Weidhofer. The authors will personally guide us through the evening, providing exclusive insights into their research and revealing the people behind the political roles. The focus is primarily on practical perspectives: politicians and activists whose experiences are featured in the book will be present at the forum to share their own views and stories. Together, we want to create a space for exchange, analysis, and new perspectives—honest, relatable, and without taboos. This is for everyone interested in political participation, democratic structures, and the people behind them. And for anyone who sometimes asks themselves:
Who will still do it?
About the speakers:
Tannaz Falaknaz is an expert, trainer, and moderator specializing in diversity and women in politics. Her work focuses on strategies for recruiting women for local government. She served as a local representative in Berlin-Pankow for several years and has been active in party politics for many years.
Cécile Weidhofer is a Director at EAF Berlin and has been working on gender equality in politics and public administration for many years. Previously, she was active in local and party politics herself. In her workshops and lectures, she explores issues of democracy, representation, and political participation.
Event details
Date: June 18, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: online
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