Supporting the well-being of ICU Professionals

Today, on World Mental Health Day, we recognise a vital aspect of intensive care medicine that is often overlooked: the mental health and well-being of ICU professionals.

World Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder that there is no health without mental health. We join this year’s WHO campaign that focuses on the urgent need to support the mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by humanitarian emergencies. In intensive care, professionals frequently work in crisis conditions — responding to emergencies, witnessing suffering, and providing care in emotionally and ethically challenging situations. Their experiences mirror many of the psychological pressures faced in humanitarian contexts, making mental health support in ICUs more crucial than ever.

At ESICM, we believe that caring for those who care for others is essential. Mental well-being is not a luxury — it is a foundation for safe, compassionate, and sustainable intensive care practice. Through our initiatives, educational programmes, and community support networks, we aim to foster resilience, open dialogue, and a culture where seeking help is recognised as a sign of strength, not weakness.

On this World Mental Health Day, let us intensify our efforts to create a world where mental health is valued, protected, and accessible for all, especially in the face of adversity.

Today, we invite all members of the ICU community to take a moment for themselves, to check in with colleagues, and to remember: you are not alone. Together, we can build a healthier and more supportive environment for everyone in the ICU.

Let’s make mental health a priority every day for every caregiver!