A third of NHS employees have taken time off for mental health issues in the past year with many staff talking about reaching “breaking point”, according to new findings released by UNISON today (Wednesday)
A survey of health workers, including nurses, occupational therapists and paramedics, has also found more than four in five (85%) have experienced stress at work over the past 12 months.
Staff say stress has had a significant impact on their mental and physical health, with symptoms including anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks, migraines, and sleep disturbance.
Some have experienced high blood pressure, stress-related vomiting, dizziness and breathlessness, according to the findings of the union survey. One NHS worker even reported suffering a heart attack due to understaffing and high workloads.
Many described reaching breaking point, feeling exhausted and overwhelmed by sustained levels of stress. This has affected their relationships and family lives, with some reporting suicidal thoughts, UNISON says.
NHS workers also described taking antidepressants and beta-blocker drugs, as well as undergoing cognitive behavioural therapy and counselling.
UNISON says the findings – based on responses from more than 19,000 staff and released during the union’s annual health conference in Edinburgh – paint a grim picture when the NHS workforce is under pressure to reduce waiting lists.
Almost a quarter (23%) didn’t tell their employer the real reason for their absence from work. Of those, most said they did not feel their manager would support them, while concerns about stigma and not wanting colleagues to know were also common.
Counselling, medication or other forms of support had been sought in the past year by more than one in four (28%) of those under stress. Almost two thirds (65%) of those who had taken time off for stress reported feeling that they were under pressure to come to work, despite feeling mentally unwell. This adds strain to an already overstretched workforce, UNISON says.
The Covid inquiry into the impact of the pandemic on the UK’s healthcare systems highlighted the “almost superhuman efforts” of NHS staff despite the significant and long-lasting impact on their mental health and wellbeing.
Ongoing pressures and staff shortages since the pandemic are only adding to the problem, says UNISON.
UNISON head of health Helga Pile said: “Such high levels of stress in the NHS should be ringing alarm bells. Staff who care for others are being pushed to the point that they’re becoming unwell themselves.
“There should be no stigma around mental health, especially in healthcare. Staff need proper support to cope with the pressures they face.
“Government and employers must do more to help staff with their mental health, including providing fast-track access to treatment and moving away from punitive and counter-productive absence policies.
“They must also act to ensure the NHS is safely staffed to meet the growing needs of communities.”
Notes to editors:
– The survey was conducted from 27 January to 27 February 2026 and received 19,356 responses from staff working in healthcare across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland including nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, admin workers and cleaners.
– Staff experiences recorded by the survey include:
“Stress has brought on an eating disorder, and my mental health has suffered tremendously.” Health care assistant, Yorkshire
“I’ve started to take a high dose of antidepressants. I struggle to sleep. It affects my mood at home with my family. I’ve developed a twitch in my eye which the doctor and optometrist say is down to stress and fatigue.” Admin worker, Yorkshire
“I’m on anxiety medication. I’ve just finished some counselling but may restart in the future.” Mental health nurse, Yorkshire
“I’m on medication, regularly see a psychiatrist and psychologist, and have had to take sick leave.” Nurse, North West
“I’ve been so stressed I had a heart attack before Christmas due to no staff and massive workloads.” Admin worker, North West
“My stress manifested in physical symptoms such as stomach aches, vomiting, shaking and overwhelming anxiety when I walk into work. I also started pulling my hair out and it’s triggered by things such as heavy workloads.” Estates and facilities worker, North West
“I’ve developed depression and anxiety due to work, to the point I had negative thoughts and my GP has prescribed antidepressants. I’m constantly stressed and dread going to work. Constant micromanagement and demands are increasing burnout and anxiety.” Paramedic, London
“I often feel overwhelmed by my workload and struggle to switch off from my job, which has caused constant worry and anxiety. This stress made concentrating difficult and reduced my confidence in carrying out tasks. I also experience fatigue, low mood and have difficulty sleeping, and that’s affected my overall wellbeing and performance at work.” Midwife, London
“I have high levels of anxiety and constantly fear making mistakes due to the workload and staffing issues. I’ve experienced hair thinning, poor appetite, dehydration and urinary infections, because I’m unable to pause for a drink. My immune system is poor because I feel burnout, but I fear taking any time off leads to financial issues.” Nurse, West Midlands
“I underwent counselling to help me deal with my work-life balance. I had an occupational health referral that recommended redeployment to come off the road to help reduce stress, but this wasn’t accommodated on my return.” Emergency ambulance associate, South West
“Work pressure was overwhelming. As the weeks went by, I was getting worse: crying as I drove to work, struggling to cope with daily pressure. I was emotional, not eating or sleeping, lacked confidence, withdrew from social and family events. I struggled to even do grocery shopping. It’s something I hope I never go through again.” Admin worker, East of England
“Stress at work has affected my marriage, my ability to socialise and I feel constantly on the verge of tears.” Clinical support worker, Scotland
“My workload is unrealistic. I’m covering two people’s jobs whilst a colleague is on maternity. There’s very little support from senior management. I’ve been signed off by my GP due to work-related stress and high blood pressure for six weeks. I’m now on medication and looking for other jobs.” Admin worker, Northern Ireland
– UNISON’s annual health conference began on Monday (13 April) and continues until today (Wednesday 15 April) at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Edinburgh EH3 8EE. UNISON general secretary Andrea Egan gave the keynote speech on Monday afternoon. Health workers from across the UK have been in attendance to debate a variety of motions including NHS pay, a greener NHS, bank staff, support for migrant workers, mental health, sexual safety, problems with NHS salary scales, and safe staffing.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union and the largest union in the NHS and in the ambulance sector, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 377215 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
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