Imagine saving lives every day, yet going home too drained to live your own. That’s the grim reality of thousands of doctors and nurses across Europe, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) named "Healing hands – hurting minds."
Released on World Mental Health Day (October 10, 2025), the MeND survey (Mental Health of Nurses and Doctors) exposes the emotional toll of healthcare work by stating:
1 in 3 healthcare workers experience depression or anxiety.
1 in 10 have recently had "suicidal thoughts" or felt “better off dead.”
The findings are based on over 90,000 responses from 29 European countries.
The survey paints a deeply concerning picture of what doctors and nurses are enduring:
One-third reported bullying or threats of violence at work.
1 in 10 experienced physical violence or sexual harassment.
1 in 4 doctors work more than 50 hours per week.
32% of doctors and 25% of nurses are on temporary contracts, creating job insecurity.
1 in 10 reported passive suicidal thoughts within just two weeks of being surveyed. These mental health rates are nearly double those seen in the general population, underscoring a severe occupational health crisis.
Despite the staggering challenges, the survey found sparks of resilience among some Europe’s medical professionals:
3 out of 4 doctors and 2 out of 3 nurses said they feel a strong sense of purpose and job satisfaction.
Their dedication, however, comes at a cost. Without systemic change, WHO warns, this passion may burn out entirely.
“Their well-being is not only a moral obligation – it is the foundation of safe, high-quality care for every patient,” said Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe
While the problem is widespread, its impact varies across countries:
France: Medical students face three times the rate of depression (66%) and suicidal thoughts (21%) compared to the general population.
Italy: Depression rates among doctors (34%) and nurses (26%) exceed European averages. A staggering 84% of healthcare workers report workplace violence, compared to the continental average of 77.6%.
Up to 40% of depressed healthcare workers took sick leave in the past year, and 11–34% considered quitting. If unaddressed, WHO projects a shortage of nearly 940,000 health workers in Europe by 2030.
Across Europe, the pressures faced by doctors and nurses may look different – whether it’s long hours in one country or temporary contracts in another, or workplace violence in yet another – but the impact on mental health is universal.
Dr. Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Director of Health Systems, WHO/Europe
To counter the crisis, WHO/Europe has outlined seven urgent policy actions that can be implemented using existing resources:
Zero tolerance for violence in healthcare settings.
Predictable and flexible work shifts to reduce exhaustion.
Fair management of overtime and promotion of positive workplace culture.
Action on excessive workloads and staffing shortages.
Leadership training and accountability in healthcare institutions.
Expanded access to mental health support for staff.
Regular monitoring and reporting of healthcare worker well-being.
“With Europe facing a shortage of nearly 1 million health workers by 2030, we cannot afford to lose them to burnout, despair or violence.”
Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe
Europe’s healthcare workforce stands at a crossroads: overworked, under-supported, and emotionally drained. Yet, their resilience still flickers through fatigue.
If nations act now, WHO says, there is hope. If they don’t, the cost will not only be in staff lost, but in patient lives, safety, and the future of European healthcare itself.
If you’re a doctor, nurse, or healthcare worker feeling overwhelmed:
Talk to someone - many hospitals now offer confidential peer support.
Know your rights - EU law limits doctors to 48 hours/week on average. Report violations.
Use free resources:
National hotlines: France: 3114
References:
1. “Healing Hands – Hurting Minds.” World Health Organization. Accessed October 27, 2025. https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/10-10-2025-healing-hands---hurting-minds.
(Rh/VK/MSM)
