A GREEN MP has announced she will take a leave of absence from Parliament citing “burnout”.
Carla Denyer, the MP for Bristol Central, said she was stepping back for “several weeks” on her doctor’s advice.
In a letter to her constituents, the 40-year-old said: “Over the last few years, I have been struggling with persistent health issues and I have been trying to manage these alongside the long hours and significant responsibility my work entails.
"It has become clear that this is not an effective strategy and that doing so is inhibiting my ability to recover. Having taken advice from my doctor, I will be taking several weeks off in order to try to get back to full health.
“I want to be open about the fact that what I am suffering from is burnout – and the mental and physical symptoms that arise from it. Burnout is a condition that does not tend to get better on its own. If left unmanaged, it can worsen and increase your risk of long-term health problems.”
According to Mental Health UK, British adults experience extremely high levels of stress, with people aged 25–34 the most likely to have experienced high or extreme levels of stress in the past year, at 96%. The charity’s research also found that nearly two in five people aged between 18 and 24 have taken time off work because of poor mental health caused by stress.
Denyer added: “I hope that by sharing my own struggles, I can help in some small way to combat the stigma around it, and contribute to a more open conversation.
“Making the decision to take time off for my health was incredibly difficult. It is an honour to represent the people of Bristol Central. And I know that by stepping back for a little while now, I will ultimately be able to return as a better champion for the community that means so much to me. I am grateful for the kindness and understanding I know my constituents will show if they see me out and about while I am recovering.”
The Green MP thanked Labour’s Nadia Whittome “for the leadership she showed in 2021 when she took a leave of absence for her own recovery”. Whittome had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Denyer added: “Her openness then helped make it possible for me to do what’s best for my health now.”
