Doctors and nurses throughout Europe are depressed and suicidal, finds landmark examine
The Mental Health of Nurses and Doctors survey is the biggest to date, with more than 90,000 responses from the 27 countries in the EU, as well as Iceland and Norway
A third of doctors and nurses are depressed and one in 10 experience suicidal thoughts, a landmark survey finds. Doctors and nurses across Europe are working in conditions that harm their mental health and wellbeing, according to the WHO/Europe study. A worrying proportion are experiencing passive suicidal thoughts or considering hurting themselves.
The Mental Health of Nurses and Doctors (MeND) survey is the largest to date. More than 90,000 responses have been gathered from all 27 countries of the European Union, plus Iceland and Norway.
In the past year, one in three doctors and nurses experienced bullying or violent threats at work, and 10% experienced physical violence and/or sexual harassment. The study also found that a quarter of doctors work more than 50 hours per week.
But nearly a third (32%) of doctors and a quarter of nurses are on temporary employment contracts, which is linked to increased anxiety about job security.
Doctors and nurses who experience violence, work consistently long hours and in shifts are much more likely to be depressed, anxious and have suicidal thoughts, the study said.
It also highlighted that doctors and nurses show double the prevalence of suicidal thoughts compared with the general population.
Dr Hans Henri P Kluge, WHO regional director, called the results “a stark reminder that Europe’s health systems are only as strong as the people who power them”.
He said: “One in three doctors and nurses report depression or anxiety, and more than one in 10 have thought about ending their lives or hurting themselves.
“This is an unacceptable burden on those who care for us. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can take concrete actions right now.”
He called for a zero-tolerance for violence of any kind, improving shift predictability and flexibility, address excessive workloads and expand mental health support.
Dr Kluge added: “With Europe facing a shortage of nearly one million health workers by 2030, we cannot afford to lose them to burnout, despair, or violence.
“Their well-being is not only a moral obligation—it is the foundation of safe, high-quality care for every patient.
“Let this survey be a much-needed wake-up call to spur action.”
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
