Landmark survey reports worrying proportion of doctors experiencing depression and passive suicidal thoughts

The survey results reveal that doctors and nurses in Europe are working in conditions that harm their mental health and well-being, with a worrying proportion experiencing passive suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting themselves. Moreover, the results show how much doctors and nurses experience bullying and violent threats at work, physical violence and sexual harassment.  

According to the study, 25% of doctors work more than 50 hours per week. Meanwhile, nearly a third of doctors are on temporary employment contracts, which is strongly linked to increased anxiety about job security. Unsafe work is directly linked with poor mental health. Doctors and nurses who experience violence, work consistently long hours and work in shifts are much more likely to be depressed and anxious and to have suicidal thoughts. 

Despite poor mental health and working conditions, 75% doctors expressed a strong sense of purpose and meaning in their work and were mostly satisfied with their jobs. This suggests that healthcare professionals are passionate and motivated by their work but need tailored support to do their jobs and care for their patients effectively. 

The report outlines 7 urgent policy actions that countries must take to improve working conditions and change organisational cultures, all of which can be achieved by repurposing existing resources. These are: 

• - demonstrate zero-tolerance for violence of any kind 

• - improve shift predictability and flexibility 

• - manage overtime fairly and build positive workplace culture 

• - address excessive workloads 

• - train and hold leaders accountable 

• - expand access to mental health support 

• - conduct regular monitoring and reporting of health worker well-being. 

The Mental Health of Nurses and Doctors (MeND) survey is the largest to date. The findings reveal the true cost of years of underinvestment in Europe’s health systems and health workforce. 

"CPME welcomes the recent WHO survey on physicians’ mental health, which highlights growing concerns regarding symptoms of anxiety, depression and substance use disorders among healthcare professionals across Europe. The findings underscore the need for a comprehensive and coordinated policy response at both national and European levels.

"The wellbeing of doctors is the backbone of resilient health systems. CPME stands ready to collaborate with WHO, EU institutions, and medical associations to ensure that the mental health of physicians becomes a shared European priority—reflected in regulation, institutional culture, and daily practice."

CPME Vice President Dr Péter Álmos during the launch event on 10 October 2025