The Pomagam.pl Foundation reminds us that statistically, every Polish family may face a serious mental health crisis at least once in their lives. A significant issue is the still low funding for mental and psychiatric support by the state and a lack of awareness about mental health. The organization emphasizes that recognizing the problem can unleash enormous potential for mutual support.
“Mental health concerns each of us, even if not directly, it could affect a family member, a friend, or a coworker, so it’s crucial to speak openly about this issue and highlight the challenges we face in terms of mental health,” says Natalia Zdrojewska, head of growth at the Pomagam.pl Foundation.
According to the “Important Words with P.” report by SWPS Innovations for the Foundation, mental health issues affect or will affect 8.3 million Poles to varying degrees. This large scale urges a closer look at treatment possibilities and their accessibility.
“Treatment options vary depending on the needs. The most basic is psychotherapy, but we are also talking about schizophrenia and other mental illnesses that require a different, medical form of treatment. As for accessibility, we are dealing with the dentalization of mental health [privatization of therapeutic services], which is alarming because it means not everyone can afford to take care of their mental health,” observes Natalia Zdrojewska.
On one hand, residents of villages, smaller towns, or some district cities face a geographical barrier, meaning a lack of specialists and centers nearby. On the other hand, financial accessibility remains a significant issue, as treating disorders can involve long-term therapy, and a single specialist visit can cost several hundred zlotys. Regularity of visits and continuity of therapy are crucial.
“In terms of the availability of psychiatric treatment or psychotherapy on the National Health Fund (NFZ), there is still a lot to be done. The average waiting time for an appointment is 128 days, but this varies by voivodeship, with some waiting over 200 days, and sometimes patients even wait a year. In mental health, timely action is crucial,” stresses the foundation expert.
Data cited in the report shows that in 2023, 355,460 people used psychotherapy funded by the National Health Fund, participating in just over 4 million therapeutic sessions (about 11 per patient on average). The number of sessions increased by 69% compared to 2013. Meanwhile, 435,600 people utilized psychological consultations during 2.2 million meetings (a 145% increase compared to 2013). In 2023, psychiatric support was obtained by 1.259 million people participating in 4.3 million visits (a decrease of about 3% compared to 2013).
“Currently, 4.5% of public health funds are allocated to psychiatric health. The community is calling for an increase to 6% this year, and to 7% next year, so we’re talking about significantly increased funding. But another big challenge and the most pressing need in the near future is to ensure good infrastructure. A pilot of Mental Health Centers showed that it works. This is support at the local level but within the state health system so that everyone in their district can see a specialist and receive the necessary help,” notes Natalia Zdrojewska.
According to Eurostat data, in 2022 Poland had 13.4 psychiatrists per 100,000 residents, placing us third from the bottom among 24 EU countries with available data. Germany’s ratio is more than double ours.
Observations by the foundation indicate that in recent years public awareness of mental health and the risks associated with its lack has significantly increased. There is more information in the media and public space, including articles and interviews. This makes it easier to recognize worrying symptoms, talk about the issue, or take steps toward treatment.
“Thanks to this, people who previously struggled with this problem are now beginning to seek help. However, when it comes to funding for services and infrastructure, it is still catching up to these needs, so it is important to fund mental health,” emphasizes the expert.
On the Pomagam.pl website, there are increasingly more fundraisers related to supporting people struggling with mental illnesses. The creators of the portal even speak of a dramatic increase noted in recent years. In 2016, terms related to “psychiatry” appeared in 1 out of 400 fundraisers, in 2023 – in 1 out of 85.
“From 2016 to 2023, for the term ‘psychotherapy,’ there is an increase of almost 500%. Here we are talking about all fundraisers for treatment, for psychotherapy. It is worth noting that often people who struggle with other diseases, also physical, or their relatives also raise funds for psychotherapy,” says the foundation expert.
As foundation representatives emphasize, starting a fundraiser often signifies a situation of deep crisis. Sick individuals and their families often first sell what they have of value, borrow from banks and friends, and only then decide to ask others for help. Experts point out that such an attitude is not surprising. Despite growing public awareness, people in mental health crises still face stigmatization. According to data cited in the “Important Words with P.” report from the nationwide EZOP II study, a significant majority of respondents oppose the idea of a person who has been mentally ill and treated in a psychiatric hospital being a caregiver (89.6%), a teacher of their child (86.9%), their doctor (84%), or part of their family, such as a son-in-law or daughter-in-law (81.3%).