Mayor at the limit: stress, violence and the struggle for survival

Mayor at the limit: stress, violence and the struggle for survival

Horn, Deutschland - What's in the town halls? More and more mayors in Germany feel very overloaded. A current reporting of Schwäbische Has to do stress and stress. Factors that contribute to this situation are tensions in the local council, high expectations of citizens, hostility and family problems. Currently, the mayoral elections are being prepared in many communities, which further increases the pressure.

Emergency psychologist Mercedes Mende, who has been accompanying Mayor in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg since 2017, speaks of a steadily increasing pressure on these officials. Working conditions are anything but easy. A survey shows that 36% of the officials surveyed have been exposed to hostility or violence in the past six months. A contribution by Tagesschau illustrates that the condition is not only problematic for the mayors, but also for democracy as a whole.

increasing aggression and resignation

The psychological consequences are profound. According to Mende, many of their clients report inner pressure, high blood pressure and relationship problems. This shows that the stress not only affects the professional but also the private quality of life. However, a large part of those affected often shy away from taking up help in good time. You use your vacation to take part in therapies with the firm will to cope with your health challenges. Early treatment increases the chances of recovery significantly.

political climate in change

The general political mood also seems to have a negative impact on the commitment in local politics. According to a survey, 28% of the respondents are considering not going to compete in the next election. Experts like Dirk Baier from the University demand a rethink in society. Political polarization, inflation and social inequality are just a few of the reasons for this worrying trend. A draft law to reduce criminal offenses for attacks on local politicians is discussed and could bring relief in the long run. Politicians must urgently take suitable measures to ensure the security of the officials and to strengthen the trust of citizens in the institutions.

It is all the more important that mayor and other local politicians have the opportunity to differentiate themselves and recognize their limits. Mende recommends creating clear separations between the office and the private individual. This is an essential strategy to counteract the dangerous spiral movements of stress and overload.

It remains to be hoped that both politics and society take the necessary steps to meet the challenges of the future and to send the people who invest their time for the well -being of the community, respect and support that they deserve.