The World Health Organization (WHO) has been reporting for some time that the disease called depression will become one of the most common diseases in the world in the coming years. Another of the disorders whose frequency will increase is anxiety disorders. According to an analysis from a report prepared by the Institute of Psychology of the Polish Academy of Sciences in 2024 Mental well-being in Poland. What do we think about psychological help?, Although 85% of the respondents declared no diagnosed mental or psychological disorder, 23% of the respondents admitted to feeling constantly depressed, depressed in their lives, struggled with reduced interest in most things and less ability to feel joy. One in three of the Poles surveyed also admitted to difficulties with alcohol consumption, which seems particularly relevant in the context of the ongoing discussion about the limited sale of alcohol in the centers of large cities at the appropriate hours. However, this is not the end of the problems we face as a society: one in three respondents had feelings related to the suspicion of being the object of a conspiracy or experienced intrusive thoughts and symptoms of spatial anxiety (agoraphobia). All this shows us the importance of health education in the field of psychology as well as prevention and availability of therapy.
What mental health problems do Poles face?
Most of the subjects who confirmed that they had been diagnosed for a mental or psychiatric disorder actually received an official diagnosis from a psychiatric doctor (87%). Only 10% indicated that they were diagnosed without confirmation from a psychiatrist. By far the most common disorders reported among Poles are depression and anxiety disorders. However, it is worth remembering that these two types of disorders are relatively easy to diagnose, and it is often the case that, for example, depression is a symptom that accompanies another disorder - such as ADHD or autism. In these cases, the diagnostic path is usually more difficult. Firstly, the doctor must be properly specialized, secondly — there is the question of the availability of such a consultation (e.g. in smaller cities), as well as, let's not hide, the costs, which in large cities can reach up to PLN 700 for a private visit.
A very interesting part of the study is the one that shows the relationship between drinking alcohol and the increase in the need to consume it again. The results from a year ago indicated that people who drank alcohol were much more likely to feel the need to reach for it again than people who gave it up completely. This perfectly illustrates the mechanism of action of this substance - addictive, harmful even in small quantities, which is confirmed by the latest research.
The use of psychological help in Poland: norm or stigma?
Seeking a solution to your problems through professional psychological care has changed significantly over the decades. In Poland, as in many post-communist countries, the habit of going to therapists for many years was practically absent. It was even associated with a kind of stigma and shame. Many people thought that using the help of a psychologist was a sign of weakness or “weirdness”. In Poland, this was further influenced by society's strong bond with the Catholic Church; authority and counselors were more often sought from priests rather than from specialized psychologists. However, with the fall of communism, this approach began to change gradually. Today, psychology is widely present in the media and in public life. Is that good? On the one hand, yes - it gives us the opportunity to look at our own emotions and use the help of specialists. But on the other hand, there is a certain danger: therapy becomes a convenient way to “transfer” social problems to the therapist's office. Not every problem we face is purely individual. Sometimes it results from low wages in the labor market, the lack of stable and secure contracts, the housing crisis or broader socio-economic processes over which the individual has no direct influence.
The results of the study show that the most common motivation for seeking psychological help was emotional and psychological problems — 53% of respondents indicated this. Other causes were trauma and life crises (40%), as well as health problems and addictions (36%). Slightly less frequently, study participants reported difficulties related to interpersonal relationships and the need for social support (20%) and professional and developmental problems (16%). It is worth noting that 16% of respondents stated that none of these difficulties would prompt them to seek psychological help. These data suggest that the need for psychological support most often arises in the area of emotional and psychological condition, while professional or developmental issues are less likely to become an impulse to seek specialized help.
Analysis of the results also revealed significant demographic differences. Women were more likely than men to seek professional psychological help. In terms of age, this was most often done by people in the range of 18-24 years, and comparatively often also the group 25-34 years. In the remaining age groups, the interest in psychological support was clearly lower. Importantly, no significant differences were observed in the use of psychological help by educational level or place of residence, which may suggest that availability or attitudes towards therapy are relatively similar in these groups. Overall attitudes toward mental health professionals have proven overwhelmingly positive. People receiving psychotherapy were also very well evaluated - as many as 84% of respondents declared a positive attitude towards them. Slightly less favorable opinions were for people in hospitals or psychiatric wards (68%), although they were still more positive than negative. In comparison, people hospitalized in non-psychiatric wards were rated positively by 81% of the respondents. Also, 66% of respondents declared positive attitudes towards people diagnosed with mental disorders.
However, it is worth noting that about 20% of the subjects showed unequivocally negative emotions towards people diagnosed with mental disorders and those staying in psychiatric wards. Moreover, extremely negative attitudes towards psychology and psychiatry - including beliefs about alleged manipulation or “conspiracy” against society - were noted in about 10% of respondents. This group treated mental health professionals as subjects of distrust and even threat.
Illness and Illness and Our Social Acceptance
Although there is a lot of talk in the media about acceptance and inclusivity, there is still a clear bias towards people with mental problems. Studies show that people without a diagnosis are much more likely to believe negative stereotypes - as many as half of them believe that mentally ill people are prone to violence, and one in three say that they do not contribute anything of value to social life. In comparison, among people with a diagnosis, these percentages are clearly lower, which shows that personal experience mitigates stereotypes.
At the same time, most respondents perceive the need for psychological support, especially in the case of emotional problems, crises or traumas. Women and younger people are more likely to benefit from psychological help, while place of residence or education does not matter much. Attitudes towards mental health professionals are mostly positive - more than 80% of respondents have a favorable attitude towards people who benefit from therapy. Despite this, about 20% still express negative emotions towards people diagnosed or hospitalized mentally, and 10% present extremely distrustful, even conspiratorial beliefs towards psychology and psychiatry. The results show that personal experience of illness increases acceptance and reduces the influence of stereotypes, highlighting the importance of education and contact in building social tolerance. summary
Poles are increasingly resorting to psychological help, especially with emotional problems and life crises. Personal experience significantly reduces the influence of stereotypes towards people with mental disorders. Education, availability of therapy and social awareness are key to improving psychological well-being in Poland.
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