A landmark new survey by WHO/Europe has revealed alarming levels of mental health struggles among doctors and nurses across the continent, with some even reporting thoughts of self-harm. The Mental Health of Nurses and Doctors (MeND) survey, released on World Mental Health Day, is the largest of its kind, analyzing over 90,000 responses from all 27 EU countries, plus Iceland and Norway.

The survey paints a stark picture of the human cost of years of underinvestment in Europe’s health systems and workforce. 

In the past year, one in three doctors and nurses faced bullying or violent threats at work, while 10% reported experiencing physical violence or sexual harassment. Many doctors are working excessively long hours, with one in four putting in more than 50 hours a week. Job insecurity is also widespread, as nearly a third of doctors and a quarter of nurses are on temporary contracts, contributing to anxiety and stress.

Most concerningly, one in ten health workers reported having thoughts of being “better off dead” or hurting themselves in the past two weeks, a serious indicator of potential future suicidal behavior.

The survey shows a clear link between unsafe working conditions and poor mental health. Doctors and nurses who experience violence, work long hours, and endure night shifts are far more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. In fact, suicidal thoughts among health workers are twice as common as in the general population.

“One in three doctors and nurses report depression or anxiety, and more than one in ten have thought about ending their lives or hurting themselves,” said Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “This is an unacceptable burden on those who care for us. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Concrete actions, like enforcing zero-tolerance for violence, improving shift planning, reducing workloads, using digital technologies to support staff, and providing confidential mental health services, can make a real difference.”

Despite these challenges, health workers remain driven by purpose. Three out of four doctors and two out of three nurses reported feeling a strong sense of meaning in their work. Yet, the strain is taking a toll.

Mélanie Debarreix, a radiology resident from France, described her experience: “We are physically and mentally exhausted, which can sometimes lead to medical errors. Among medical students in France, 66% experienced depression and 21% had suicidal thoughts in the past year — three times higher than the general population. Protecting our mental health would first require enforcing laws on working hours, mandatory rest after on-call shifts, and adequate financial resources to practice safely.”

Unsafe working conditions affect not just health workers, but also patients and health systems. In some countries, up to 40% of doctors and nurses with depression reported taking sick leave, and between 11% and 34% considered leaving their jobs. This loss of staff can result in longer patient wait times and reduced quality of care.

“Across Europe, the pressures may differ — long hours in one country, temporary contracts in another, workplace violence elsewhere — but the impact on mental health is universal,” said Dr. Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Director of Health Systems at WHO/Europe. “We measure hospital capacity by beds and surgical outcomes, but too often ignore the well-being of those delivering care. Mental health must be a core performance measure.”

The report also warns that without urgent action, Europe faces a shortage of 940,000 health workers by 2030. WHO/Europe stresses that governments must act to create safer, supportive work environments by addressing violence, improving shift patterns, reducing excessive workloads, holding leaders accountable, expanding access to mental health support, and monitoring the well-being of health workers.

“We cannot afford to lose health workers to burnout, despair, or violence. Their well-being is the foundation of safe, high-quality care for every patient,” concluded Dr. Kluge. “This survey is a wake-up call — it’s time for action.”

The study underscores the urgent need to protect the mental health of Europe’s healthcare workforce, ensuring that those who care for others are themselves supported, safe, and valued.