A startling mental health crisis is unfolding across Europe’s healthcare sector, with a new World Health Organization (WHO) report revealing that one in ten doctors and nurses have experienced suicidal thoughts, a situation described as a public health emergency.
The grave findings stem from a joint review by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the European Commission, which concluded that medical personnel are laboring under conditions harmful to their mental well-being, directly impacting patient care. The report, released in connection with World Mental Health Day, is based on surveys of approximately 100,000 participants across 29 European countries between October 2024 and April 2025.
Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, warned that the crisis among health professionals threatens the integrity and resilience of the continent’s healthcare systems. The study found that doctors and nurses were twice as likely as the general population to have suicidal thoughts, with about 10% of respondents admitting to thoughts of death or self-harm in the two weeks before the survey.
The review detailed the immense pressure on the workforce, noting that 25% of doctors in the region work more than 50 hours per week. Additionally, a third of them hold temporary or insecure positions, contributing to heightened stress.
Workplace violence is another significant factor, with one in three doctors or nurses in Europe reporting they have experienced it. The report highlighted that long working hours and burnout are making depression and suicidal ideation increasingly common among medical staff.
Despite the severe challenges, the review found that a majority of healthcare professionals remain dedicated to their careers. Three-quarters of doctors and two-thirds of nurses stated they still find their work highly meaningful and purposeful.
However, the strain is pushing many to a breaking point. The report indicated that between 11% and 34% of healthcare workers are considering leaving their jobs. Such an exodus could severely worsen patient waiting times and degrade the quality of medical services.
The WHO had previously cautioned that by 22, recruitment in Europe’s healthcare sector was already failing to meet rising demand. Dr. Kluge warned that if present trends persist, Europe could face a deficit of up to 940,000 healthcare workers by 2030.
To address the crisis, the WHO report proposes several interventions, including implementing zero-tolerance policies against workplace violence, reforming shift scheduling and workload management, and improving access to mental health care for medical personnel.
Dr. Kluge emphasized that the well-being of the healthcare workforce is not only a moral duty but also the bedrock for providing safe and high-quality care to every patient, underscoring that their mental health is central to the sustainability of Europe’s healthcare systems.