One-Third of Europe’s Doctors and Nurses Struggle with Depression and Anxiety, Says WHO
A new report from WHO Europe has revealed some deeply concerning statistics about the mental health of healthcare workers across the continent. According to the survey, one in three doctors and nurses in Europe is currently suffering from depression or anxiety—a rate that’s five times higher than that of the general population.
The findings are based on the Mental Health of Nurses and Doctors (MeND) study, one of the largest of its kind, which gathered responses from more than 90,000 health professionals across 29 countries—including the 27 European Union member states, Iceland, and Norway. The study was released on October 10, 2025, to coincide with World Mental Health Day.
This comprehensive survey paints a stark picture of the pressures faced by Europe’s healthcare workforce—a group that has been under extraordinary strain in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Scale of the Crisis
The WHO report found that around 33% of doctors and nurses reported experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety. To put that in perspective, the general European population shows a rate of roughly 6% for depression symptoms.
Even more alarming, one in ten health workers admitted to having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm within the past two weeks. That’s double the prevalence of suicidal ideation compared to the general population.
These numbers don’t just reflect individual struggles—they signal what WHO Europe describes as a “health security crisis.” The mental wellbeing of healthcare professionals directly impacts the resilience of health systems. If doctors and nurses are exhausted, demoralized, or leaving their professions, the consequences ripple far beyond hospital walls.
The Factors Behind the Numbers
The study identified a combination of workplace conditions and personal stressors that contribute to poor mental health among healthcare professionals.
1. Violence and Harassment
Shockingly, one in three doctors and nurses reported facing bullying or violent threats at work in the past year. About 10% said they had endured physical violence or sexual harassment on the job.
These experiences leave lasting psychological scars and are closely linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety. WHO Europe is calling for zero tolerance toward violence and harassment in all healthcare settings.
2. Excessive Working Hours
Healthcare work has long been associated with long and irregular hours, but the scale of overwork remains staggering. The report found that one in four doctors regularly works more than 50 hours per week.
Those who work night shifts or rotating shifts face even higher risks of mental health problems. Shift work disrupts sleep cycles, contributes to chronic fatigue, and increases vulnerability to anxiety and mood disorders.
3. Job Insecurity and Temporary Contracts
The survey revealed that 30% of doctors and 25% of nurses are employed on temporary contracts. This type of job insecurity has been strongly linked to heightened anxiety and uncertainty about the future.
The precarious nature of these contracts makes it harder for healthcare workers to plan their lives, further eroding mental stability.
4. Gender and Professional Differences
The data also uncovered notable gender differences. Women doctors and nurses are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, while men doctors are more prone to alcohol addiction.
These disparities highlight the need for more targeted mental health interventions that account for gender-specific risk factors.
The Geography of Distress
The mental health crisis isn’t evenly distributed across Europe.
Countries such as Latvia and Poland reported the highest levels of depression, with almost half of respondents in these nations experiencing symptoms. Meanwhile, countries like Denmark and Iceland reported significantly lower levels, around 15%.
These differences suggest that national health systems and working cultures play a major role in shaping the mental wellbeing of healthcare workers. Nations with stronger welfare systems, better staffing ratios, and greater mental health support appear to fare better.
A Workforce on the Edge
Beyond depression and anxiety, the survey found that between 11% and 34% of healthcare workers across various countries are considering leaving their jobs altogether.
This trend could have severe implications for Europe’s healthcare capacity. WHO Europe warns that the continent could face a shortage of nearly one million health workers by 2030 if urgent measures aren’t taken.
The organization emphasizes that losing skilled professionals to burnout, despair, or workplace violence would be devastating for already stretched healthcare systems.
What WHO Europe Recommends
To tackle this escalating crisis, WHO Europe has laid out a set of concrete actions:
- Eliminate violence and harassment in all healthcare settings.
- Reform shift work and overtime policies, promoting a healthier work-life balance.
- Guarantee confidential, stigma-free access to mental health services for doctors and nurses.
- Address job insecurity by reducing temporary contracts.
- Hold leadership accountable for creating supportive and safe work environments.
The report also urges European governments to invest in recruitment, digital tools, and workflow improvements to ease unnecessary administrative burdens.
Understanding Depression and Anxiety Among Healthcare Workers
While the WHO report focuses on statistics, it’s worth exploring why depression and anxiety are particularly common among doctors and nurses.
Chronic Stress and Emotional Fatigue
Healthcare professionals are constantly exposed to high-pressure situations—life-or-death decisions, emotional suffering, and human vulnerability. This long-term exposure to stress can deplete emotional reserves and lead to burnout, a state of exhaustion that can quickly spiral into depression.
Lack of Support Systems
Despite being part of the healthcare industry, many professionals face stigma when seeking mental health support themselves. They often fear being perceived as weak or unfit for their roles.
Creating confidential counseling services and encouraging open dialogue about mental wellbeing can go a long way in reducing that stigma.
Post-Pandemic Fatigue
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation dramatically. Frontline healthcare workers endured months of high-intensity workloads, emotional trauma, and grief. Even years later, the psychological effects of that period are still being felt.
Economic and Systemic Pressure
Underfunded health systems, staff shortages, and growing patient demand create a cycle of overwork and frustration. Without systemic reform, the mental health of healthcare workers will continue to deteriorate.
A Wake-Up Call for Europe
The WHO report doesn’t just present numbers—it sends a clear message: the mental health of healthcare workers is the backbone of public health. When those who care for others can no longer care for themselves, everyone pays the price.
Europe’s healthcare systems are already stretched thin, and without urgent action to support their workforce, the continent risks facing a full-blown health security crisis in the coming years.
Taking care of the caregivers isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
