According to the latest report by the World Health Organization (WHO), one in three doctors and nurses in Europe is struggling with depression. The study, which included over 90,000 healthcare professionals, revealed that one in ten respondents had experienced passive suicidal thoughts over the past year.
According to the report, one of the primary reasons for the deteriorating mental health of medical staff is unbearable working conditions. A third of those surveyed experienced bullying or threats of violence in the workplace, while 10% reported incidents of physical violence and sexual harassment. This is further exacerbated by chronic overtime—a quarter of doctors work more than 50 hours per week, leading to physical and emotional exhaustion.
Medical burnout syndrome poses a direct threat to patients, as exhausted staff are more prone to making medical errors. Staff turnover is another serious challenge: up to 34% of healthcare workers are considering leaving the profession. Projections suggest that by 2030, the staff shortage in Europe will reach nearly one million (940,000), which will drastically increase waiting times and worsen the quality of medical services.
The WHO urges healthcare systems to take immediate measures for worker well-being. Recommendations include:
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Implementing “zero tolerance” policies toward workplace violence.
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Revising shift schedules.
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Ensuring accessibility to psychological support for medical personnel.
Experts assess that the mental crisis among medics is, in reality, a healthcare security crisis, as the sustainability of the system depends directly on their health.
