A Cross-Sectional Study of Mental Health Challenges, Burnout Levels and Coping Mechanisms Among Practicing Nursing Professionals

Abstract

Nursing professionals operate under intense emotional and physical demands, often leading to burnout and mental health deterioration. While prior studies have focused on quantitative measures of burnout, this study adopts a qualitative approach to explore the lived experiences of mental health challenges, burnout levels, and coping mechanisms among practicing nurses. A cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews and focus groups with practicing nurses from diverse clinical settings. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns and themes, supported by document analysis and peer debriefing to ensure trustworthiness. Four major themes emerged: (1) emotional overload and psychological distress, (2) systemic and organizational stressors, (3) adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms, and (4) the central role of peer support. Nurses described a cycle of emotional suppression, institutional neglect, and informal coping systems. Many employed adaptive strategies such as prayer and peer conversations, while others turned to maladaptive behaviors like emotional suppression or alcohol use. Barriers such as stigma, inaccessibility of support systems, and lack of trust were frequently reported. Burnout among nurses is not merely an individual issue but a systemic problem rooted in organizational culture, inadequate support and cultural norms around emotional expression. The study’s conceptual framework—the Burnout-Coping Cycle—offers a holistic lens to understand how distress evolves and how support structures can be reimagined. Enhancing emotional safety, strengthening peer support, and embedding meaningful wellness practices are critical to sustaining the nursing workforce.