Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
October 10, 2025 Healthcare
This Friday, World Mental Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) presented the results of the largest study to date on the mental health of European healthcare workers. Its findings are staggering: one in three healthcare workers suffers from depression or anxiety, and one in ten has experienced passive suicidal ideation in the past two weeks.
The survey covered more than 90,000 doctors and nurses from all European Union countries, as well as Iceland and Norway. Its findings highlight a systemic crisis caused by years of underfunding of healthcare and a disregard for the well-being of those who save lives every day.
Anxiety and suicidal thoughts
Doctors and nurses work in conditions that undermine their mental health: a third of them experience threats or bullying, and one in ten experiences physical violence or sexual harassment. A quarter of doctors work more than 50 hours a week; a significant portion of medical staff live in constant anxiety due to temporary employment contracts.
Particularly alarming is the fact that 10 percent of respondents admitted to occasionally having thoughts of suicide or self-harm. These "passive" suicidal thoughts are not just fleeting experiences, but harbingers of potential tragedies. Healthcare workers working in violent environments, with grueling shifts and night shifts, are twice as likely to experience such thoughts as the average person.
"The survey results are a stark reminder: the effectiveness of our health systems depends directly on the health of those who work within them," said Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, emphasizing that the current situation can be changed. Suggested measures include zero tolerance for violence and harassment, revised shift schedules and overtime, reducing workload through effective recruitment and digitalization, and ensuring access to confidential psychological support.
Enthusiasm in spite of stress
Despite external pressures and fatigue, most healthcare workers continue to find meaning in their work. Three out of four doctors and two out of three nurses surveyed said they are satisfied with their profession and feel its significance. This speaks to a deep commitment to their work, but also highlights the need for systemic support to maintain this enthusiasm and prevent burnout, the report's authors note.
Mélanie Desbarrey, a radiology specialist from France, says fatigue and overwork often lead to mistakes. According to her, 66 percent of medical students in France have experienced depression at least once, and 21 percent have had suicidal thoughts. She believes that enforcing working hours laws and adequate funding are key to protecting the mental health of medical professionals.
The problem extends far beyond personal well-being. Mental burnout in healthcare workers directly impacts patients and society as a whole. In some countries, up to 40 percent of doctors and nurses with depressive symptoms have taken sick leave, and up to a third have considered leaving the profession. This means not only a staffing shortage but also a decline in the quality of medical care, longer wait times, and increased workload for those who remain.
Work on mistakes
The WHO is calling on countries to take immediate action. Priority steps include eliminating violence, flexible shift planning, equitable distribution of overtime, overall workload reduction, expanding access to mental health care, and regular monitoring of healthcare workers. All of these measures can be implemented by reallocating existing resources.
"We cannot afford to lose healthcare workers to burnout, depression, or violence," concluded Hans Kluge. "Concern for their well-being is not just a moral obligation. It's the key to ensuring every patient receives timely and high-quality care."
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.