Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

GPs in UK struggle with emotional exhaustion, study reveals

'As many as seven in 10 GPs suffer from compassion fatigue'

GPs in UK struggle with emotional exhaustion, study reveals

Family doctors are "particularly vulnerable" because of their "prolonged exposure to patients' suffering and trauma" (Photo for representation: iStock)

Getty Images

MOST family doctors in Britain are finding it difficult to show care and understanding to their patients due to extreme tiredness and emotional strain, a troubling new survey has revealed.

The study, conducted by the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland, found that seven in ten GPs are experiencing what experts call "compassion fatigue" - a state where they're too worn out to properly empathise with their patients' problems.


Dr John Holden, the union's chief medical officer, explained the situation, "Compassion fatigue is effectively a hidden, secondary trauma with symptoms that can ultimately make it extraordinarily difficult for family doctors to treat their patients."

The poll, which gathered responses from nearly 2,000 doctors across the country, showed that younger medical professionals aged 25-34 were the worst affected. GPs were found to be particularly at risk due to their constant exposure to patients' suffering and heavy workloads.

The findings paint a worrying picture of the NHS workforce's mental health. More than eight in ten GPs who reported having suicidal thoughts blamed their working conditions. Adding to their stress, many doctors faced abuse from frustrated patients throughout 2024, with 84 per cent experiencing verbal abuse and nearly a quarter dealing with physical confrontations.

Prof Clare Gerada, an expert in doctors' mental health, described the condition as being "characterised by a decreased ability to empathise and connect with patients, feelings of emotional numbness or detachment, and a sense of being overwhelmed by the job demands."

The situation appears to be affecting patient care, with almost half of the doctors worried that their exhaustion might lead to medical mistakes. Nearly two-thirds admitted it was hampering their ability to communicate effectively with patients.

Dr Latifa Patel from the British Medical Association responded to the findings: "Doctors' wellbeing shouldn't suffer from going to work, especially to such an extent that they're self-harming or considering suicide. GPs are at breaking point."

The survey also highlighted challenges for the government's NHS reform plans. Two-thirds of GPs reported feeling unprepared for health secretary Wes Streeting's proposed shift of healthcare services from hospitals to community settings.

The Department of Health and Social Care has responded by pointing to existing support measures, including mental health services for NHS staff and recent changes to reduce paperwork. They've also announced additional funding of £26 million for new mental health crisis centres and expanded talking therapy services.

The main causes of stress for doctors included long waiting times for patient care and dealing with complaints about treatment delays.

Prof Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, noted that many family doctors were experiencing "moral distress" when unable to help patients due to factors beyond their control, such as poor housing and the cost of living crisis.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said, “The wellbeing of all those working in the NHS is vital, and extensive coaching support and practitioner mental health services are available for all staff.

“We are providing support for GPs to lessen their workload, through cutting red tape to reduce bureaucracy and reducing outdated performance targets – so they can spend more time with patients and doing the work that really matters.

“The budget also provided an extra £26m to open new mental health crisis centres and funding to provide talking therapies to an extra 380,000 patients.”

In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.

(with inputs from AFP)

More For You

Andrew Tate Sued by Ex-Girlfriend Brianna Stern Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Tate’s attorney, Joseph McBride, has dismissed the lawsuit

Getty

Andrew Tate faces sexual assault lawsuit from ex-girlfriend Brianna Stern

Social media personality Andrew Tate is facing a new lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend, Brianna Stern, who has accused him of sexual assault, battery, and gender violence. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, details allegations of abuse and an incident that allegedly took place at The Beverly Hills Hotel on 11 March 2025.

Allegations in the lawsuit

According to the legal complaint, Stern claims that Tate initially appeared as a "dream come true" but later became emotionally and physically abusive. The lawsuit describes a violent encounter at the hotel, where she alleges Tate physically assaulted and threatened her.

Keep ReadingShow less
Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Soumik Datta (R) and Gurdain Singh Rayatt

Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Mahesh Liloriya

The inaugural edition of Voices of Faith commenced on Friday at the iconic Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, marking the beginning of an extraordinary three-day festival exploring theological philosophies, interfaith dialogues, and the deeper essence of spirituality through conversations, music, and healing vibes.

Organised by Teamwork Arts, the creators of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and JLF London, Voices of Faith is presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, with the support of Tech Mahindra. Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat serve as the official media partners of this landmark event. This unique festival seeks to offer insights into navigating the complexities of modern life through the timeless wisdom enshrined in global religious traditions. It focuses on the universal ideals of compassion and interconnectedness that underpin the world’s faiths, fostering dialogue that transcends barriers and deepens mutual understanding.

Keep ReadingShow less
Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case

Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain (Photo for representation: iStock)

Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case

A PAKISTANI man convicted of sexually assaulting a child under 13 will face a fresh deportation hearing after the Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain, reported The Times.

The offender, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had initially won his case to stay in the UK after claiming he would face "inhuman or degrading treatment" if sent back to Pakistan due to his alcoholism.

Keep ReadingShow less
India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar

Rescue teams work to save residents trapped under the rubble of the destroyed Sky Villa Condominium development in Mandalay on March 29, 2025. (Photo by SAI AUNG MAIN/AFP via Getty Images)

India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar

INDIA has swiftly responded to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar by launching Operation Brahma, sending emergency relief and rescue teams to the disaster-stricken nation.

A C-130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force landed in Yangon on Saturday (29), carrying 15 tonnes of relief supplies including hygiene kits, blankets and food parcels. The aid mission comes after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday (28), killing more than 1,000 people and injuring nearly 2,400 others.

Keep ReadingShow less
Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings

Pakistan stands at 109th place out of 147 countries

Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings

THE UK has experienced a significant blow to its national morale, plummeting to 23rd place in the World Happiness Report for 2025 – its lowest ranking ever – despite being the world’s sixth richest nation.

Released to mark the UN’s International Day of Happiness last Thursday (20), the report provided a nuanced exploration of national contentment that extends far beyond economic measurements.

Keep ReadingShow less