The survey also highlighted that 13% of respondents rated their mental health as poor or very poor, raising concerns among healthcare leaders about the stigma associated with seeking help.

Over 40% of general practitioners doubt their ability to continue in their roles over the next five years, primarily due to stress and burnout.

A recent Medscape UK survey of over 900 doctors has revealed alarming levels of burnout and poor mental health among healthcare professionals, despite many expressing satisfaction with their lives outside of work.

The survey found that work was identified as the primary cause of burnout by over 75% of doctors, with 67% noting that poor mental health negatively impacted their personal relationships.

Burnout affected 27% of respondents, with 5% reporting feelings of depression and 14% experiencing both depression and burnout.

Dr. Ananta Dave pointed out that increasing workloads and administrative pressures on NHS staff have worsened in recent years, prompting many to seek mental health support.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne expressed concern about the high levels of stress and burnout among general practitioners, emphasizing the urgent need for a better work-life balance.

In response to these challenges, healthcare leaders are calling for increased government funding and initiatives aimed at improving recruitment and retention in the NHS, especially given the high staff turnover rates linked to burnout.

Interestingly, while 67% of doctors reported being happy with their work-life balance, 20% expressed unhappiness, and 56% felt content with their professional life, yet 28% were dissatisfied.