Working under Pressure: Mental Health Challenges and Coping Strategies among Intensive Care Unit Healthcare Professionals in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Healthcare professionals working in the Intensive Care Unit operate in highly demanding clinical environments where continuous exposure to critically ill patients, high mortality rates, and prolonged working hours may lead to significant psychological distress. Mental health challenges such as burnout, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder have increasingly been reported among Intensive Care Unit healthcare professionals worldwide. This study aimed to examine the mental health challenges experienced by Intensive Care Unit healthcare professionals and to identify coping strategies and institutional interventions that promote resilience in critical care settings. This research employed a mixed-method study design integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total of 180 Intensive Care Unit healthcare professionals from five hospitals in Saudi Arabia participated in the survey, while 50 participants were involved in semi-Structured interviews exploring coping mechanisms and perceptions of institutional support. Quantitative data were collected using validated instruments including the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to analyze survey data, while qualitative interview responses were examined using thematic analysis. Findings revealed a high prevalence of psychological distress among Intensive Care Unit healthcare professionals. Anxiety symptoms were reported by 55% of participants, depression by 42%, and PTSD symptoms by approximately 30%. Peer support, mindfulness practices, and physical exercise were among the most commonly reported coping mechanisms. However, limited institutional mental health programs were identified. The study concludes that Intensive Care Unit healthcare professionals experience significant mental health challenges that require both individual coping mechanisms and institutional support. Healthcare organizations should strengthen mental health programs, improve working conditions, and implement resilience-building interventions to support the psychological well-being of the critical care workforce.