Abstract

This study examined the mental health challenges faced by Filipino nurses, emphasizing their emotional struggles, workplace stressors, and the factors that shape their ability to cope within the demanding healthcare settings. Using a phenomenological method, six themes emerged that illustrate the complexity of nurses’ experiences: emotional toll of nursing, workplace pressures and systemic challenges, coping and survival strategies, organizational and leadership support, the hidden struggle of stigma and help-seeking barriers, and resilience and personal growth. Findings revealed that nurses grapple with significant emotional distress, anxiety, and psychological fatigue, often intensified by chronic understaffing, heavy workloads, administrative pressures, and restricted autonomy. Although they employ various coping strategies, many nurses hesitate to seek professional help due to stigma, fear of judgment, and concerns about confidentiality. These barriers contribute to a cycle of silent suffering that undermines mental well-being. Despite these hardships, participants also identified moments of growth, strengthened coping capacity, and renewed commitment to their profession. The study highlights an urgent need for organizational initiatives that prioritize mental health, reduce stigma, strengthen leadership support, and cultivate psychologically safe work environments. These insights deepen our understanding of nurses’ mental health experiences and offer recommendations for practice, policy, and future research aimed at sustaining a healthy and resilient nursing workforce.