The study of more than 1,000 NHS employees, carried out by NHS Charities Together, shows the most commonly cited causes included staff shortages (49%), not feeling able to provide the best possible care (35%), rising patient numbers (29%), and exposure to traumatic situations at work (15%).
The research shows 51% of respondents reported experiencing anxiety, 23% said they had experienced depression, 44% said they suffered from exhaustion, 35% experienced burnout, and suicidal thoughts were reported by 9% of NHS employees.
However, despite this clear and growing need, just 25% of respondents said they had accessed any form of mental health support in the past year.
Ellie Orton, chief executive at NHS Charities Together, said: ‘NHS staff are facing relentless pressure, working in some of the most challenging conditions the health service has ever seen. Chronic staff shortages, rising demand, and the emotional toll of not being able to deliver the care they want to give are seriously affecting their mental health.
‘Given these daily pressures, it's sadly no surprise that mental health issues among NHS workers are so widespread. If we want the NHS to thrive, we must take better care of the people who keep it running.'
NHS Charities Together is now calling for urgent public support to fund expanded mental health services for staff.
The charity has launched a new Workforce Wellbeing Programme, including an initial investment of £6m, with a further £5m provided by NHS England. It intends to raise a further £5m over the course of the programme to drive much-needed action across the UK and create positive, lasting change.
When asked what support they felt would benefit them most, 29% of NHS staff said access to psychological support or counselling services, 26% said respite or wellbeing sessions, 22% said they would value access to a rest space or garden, and 13% identified the need for intensive trauma-informed support.
In addition, the research found that despite the growing pressures, 78% of respondents say they're proud to work for the NHS, while 43% would still recommend it as a career.
In response, Caroline Waterfield, director of development and employment at NHS Employers, said: ‘The findings of this survey reinforce the importance of providing the fundamentals to staff when it comes to their wellbeing. This includes providing them with an environment with access to the right resources to be able to do their job, time and space to take a break on shift, and when additional support is needed, timely access to the right level of expertise.
‘The whole healthcare system is having to make difficult decisions as to what continues to receive investment and what has to be pared back or stopped. We also know that delivering healthcare is a people business. Employers are acutely aware of the importance of supporting staff wellbeing and focusing on staff experience as this is central to the NHS being able to provide a good quality experience for patients both now and into the future.'
