No Happiness for Steve Baker After Brexit Referendum

Steve Baker, a British Conservative Party politician and former Brexit Minister, has spoken out about the extreme stress and depression he experienced after the Brexit vote in 2016. In an interview with The Times, Baker revealed that he has not felt happy since the referendum result was announced.

Baker was one of the leading figures in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union. He was appointed as the Minister for Exiting the European Union in July 2017, and played a key role in the negotiations leading up to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU in January 2020.

In his interview with The Times, Baker spoke candidly about the toll that his involvement in the Brexit process had taken on his mental health. He described how he had struggled with anxiety and depression, and had sought help from a therapist.

Baker revealed that he had been unable to sleep for more than three hours a night for months after the Brexit vote, and had experienced panic attacks and physical symptoms such as heart palpitations. He also spoke about the impact that the stress had had on his family life, saying that he had been unable to be the husband and father that he wanted to be.

Despite his difficulties, Baker remained committed to the Brexit cause. He told The Times that he had been driven by a sense of duty and believed that leaving the EU was the right thing for the UK.

Baker’s story is a reminder of the human cost of political campaigns and the toll that they can take on individuals. The Brexit vote was a divisive and emotionally charged issue, and many people on both sides of the debate experienced extreme stress and anxiety during the process.

Baker’s willingness to speak openly about his struggles with mental health is commendable, and may help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. His story also highlights the importance of seeking help and support when dealing with mental health issues.

In conclusion, Steve Baker’s experience shows that political campaigns can have a significant impact on individuals’ mental health. It is important for politicians and the wider public to be aware of this, and to ensure that support is available for those who need it. By speaking out about his struggles, Baker has helped to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and may encourage others to seek help when needed.

Author: Jeremy Julius
Consultant, international policy expert. He collaborates with The Deeping for insights in the political/social area