A new World Health Organization (WHO) survey has uncovered a growing mental health crisis among healthcare professionals across Europe. The survey found that one in ten doctors and nurses reported having suicidal thoughts, underscoring the heavy psychological burden facing those on the front lines of healthcare.
The survey, conducted between October 2024 and April 2025, gathered nearly 100,000 responses from health workers across 29 European countries. Funded under WHO/Europe’s joint project with the European Commission, the research was released to coincide with World Mental Health Day.
According to WHO Europe Director Hans Henri P. Kluge, the findings represent more than a workforce issue — they signal a threat to the integrity of the entire health system. “Ultimately, the mental health crisis among our health workers is a health security crisis,” Dr. Kluge warned.
Long Working Hours and Job Insecurity Driving Anxiety and Depression
The WHO analysis paints a troubling picture of the working conditions many health professionals face. One in four doctors reported working over 50 hours a week, while a third were employed on temporary contracts — a combination that fuels anxiety, job insecurity, and emotional exhaustion.
Doctors and nurses in Europe are now experiencing double the rate of suicidal thoughts compared to the general population. One in ten respondents admitted to having thoughts of being “better off dead” or of self-harm within the past two weeks.
The data also show that for many health workers, violence, exhaustion, and lack of stability are daily realities. Those exposed to workplace aggression or consistently long shifts were far more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The Human Cost of Unsafe Work Environments
Unsafe and unsupportive workplaces are contributing directly to poor mental health outcomes. For one in three doctors and nurses who experience violence at work, the psychological toll is severe. Many report feeling trapped between professional duty and personal burnout.
“We chose a path of humanity, but that does not mean we stop being human ourselves,” said Mélanie Debarreix, a radiology resident from France. Her words capture the emotional fatigue that has become common among medical professionals across the region.
Despite the grim statistics, the WHO report also found that most health workers still find deep meaning in their jobs. Three-quarters of doctors and two-thirds of nurses said their work gives them a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment — even as their mental health suffers under the weight of impossible demands.
Health Workers Under Unbearable Pressure
The WHO survey also highlighted the growing risk of workforce depletion. Between 11 and 34 percent of healthcare professionals reported that they are considering leaving their jobs due to poor mental health and unbearable working conditions.
If this trend continues, patients could face longer waiting times, reduced quality of care, and widespread disruptions across health systems. WHO warns that such attrition would further weaken already fragile healthcare infrastructure.
The organization points out that the crisis did not emerge suddenly. A 2022 WHO Europe report had already flagged a mismatch between recruitment rates and rising healthcare demand. This imbalance continues to worsen, placing additional strain on an already overworked and under-supported workforce.
Europe Facing a Shortage of Nearly One Million Health Workers
According to WHO Europe projections, the continent could face a shortfall of 940,000 healthcare workers by 2030. This looming gap threatens to deepen existing inequalities in access to care and delay medical treatments across multiple sectors.
“Their well-being is not only a moral obligation – it is the foundation of safe, high-quality care for every patient,” Dr. Kluge emphasized. He urged European governments to act swiftly to protect the physical and mental health of their medical staff.
Experts stress that mental health support is not a luxury for healthcare workers — it is essential for the stability of entire health systems. Without urgent reform, the current crisis could escalate into a full-blown workforce collapse.
What Needs to Change: WHO’s Call to Action
The WHO report outlines a clear roadmap for addressing the crisis. It calls for decisive action from health authorities, institutions, and governments across Europe. Recommended measures include:
- Implementing zero-tolerance policies for workplace violence to protect doctors, nurses, and other medical staff.
- Reforming shift patterns and reducing excessive work hours to improve rest, performance, and mental health.
- Ensuring access to high-quality mental health support, including confidential counseling and psychological services.
- Providing stable employment contracts to reduce stress related to job insecurity.
- Encouraging organizational change that promotes teamwork, communication, and a culture of care for caregivers.
WHO emphasizes that these changes are critical to rebuilding trust and resilience within the healthcare community.
Balancing Purpose and Pressure
The survey’s findings reveal a paradox at the heart of healthcare work. Even in the face of immense emotional strain, most medical professionals express strong dedication to their roles. Many view their work as a calling, not just a career.
Yet that sense of purpose cannot outweigh the damage caused by overwork, understaffing, and lack of support. Without systemic reform, many may ultimately be forced to leave the profession they love.
As Dr. Kluge notes, the well-being of healthcare workers and the safety of patients are inseparable. The sustainability of Europe’s healthcare systems depends on protecting those who protect others.
A Growing Awareness on World Mental Health Day
The release of the WHO report on World Mental Health Day underscores the growing recognition that healthcare workers’ well-being is central to public health. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the psychological toll of frontline medicine — and while the immediate crisis has eased, the emotional aftermath continues.
Governments across Europe are now under increasing pressure to turn awareness into action. Ensuring that hospitals and clinics are safe, supportive environments must become a top priority.
Key Takeaways
- One in ten doctors and nurses in Europe report suicidal thoughts.
- One in four doctors work more than 50 hours weekly, while a third have temporary contracts.
- Health workers experience twice the rate of suicidal ideation compared to the general public.
- Between 11 and 34 percent are considering quitting their jobs.
- Europe could face a shortage of 940,000 healthcare workers by 2030.
- WHO calls for urgent reforms including violence prevention, mental health support, and better working conditions.
Final Thoughts
The WHO’s findings send an urgent message to policymakers: the health of medical professionals is not just a workforce issue, but a cornerstone of national health security.
Supporting the people who save lives must become an immediate priority. Without bold reforms to protect doctors and nurses from burnout, overwork, and violence, the future of Europe’s healthcare systems remains at risk.
Caring for those who care for others is, ultimately, the only way to ensure sustainable, high-quality healthcare for all.
