WHO Study Reveals Alarming Mental Health Crisis Among Healthcare Workers in Europe
A WHO study reveals one-third of European healthcare workers suffer from depression or anxiety, urging urgent systemic reforms.
- • One in three healthcare professionals show symptoms of depression or anxiety, nearly five times the general population rate.
- • Poor working conditions like long hours and night shifts significantly increase mental health risks.
- • Workplace bullying, threats, and harassment double the likelihood of mental health problems.
- • Stable social support correlates with significantly lower mental health issues among healthcare workers.
Key details
A recent comprehensive WHO study conducted between October 2024 and April 2025 highlights an alarming mental health crisis among healthcare professionals across Europe, including Germany. Surveying over 90,000 doctors and nurses from 29 countries, the study found that one in three healthcare workers experience symptoms of depression or anxiety—a rate nearly five times higher than the general population's 5%. Additionally, approximately 3% reported alcohol dependence, while over 10% suffered from self-harm or suicidal thoughts. The study identifies poor working conditions, such as long hours—with 25% of doctors working more than 50 hours weekly—and night shifts as significant contributors to mental health issues. Social factors also play a critical role; one-third of respondents reported workplace bullying or threats, with 10% facing violence or sexual harassment. These negative experiences are linked to doubled rates of mental health problems. Conversely, healthcare professionals with stable social support showed significantly lower rates of mental health symptoms (17% compared to 51%). WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, emphasized the urgency of systemic reforms, calling for seven specific measures including leadership training and improved access to psychological care to better support healthcare workers' well-being. The findings underscore the need for immediate action to safeguard those who protect public health.