Mental health has become an increasingly urgent global concern (WHO, 2021), yet in Poland it remains severely underfunded and politically marginalised. With less than 3% of the national healthcare budget allocated to mental health services (OECD, 2021), the country faces a significant shortage of specialists and an underdeveloped support infrastructure. These systemic gaps are especially concerning in light of the growing prevalence of depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, and the high levels of social isolation reported by Polish citizens.
This presentation draws on findings from a 2024 nationwide survey (N = 647) conducted by the Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, as part of the Psychology for Society (research-intervention programme of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, contract no. MNiSW/2024/DAP/223) initiative. The results indicate widespread psychological distress, low willingness to seek professional help, and a strong influence of stigma and misinformation. A substantial proportion of respondents continue to associate psychiatric treatment with social exclusion, while limited psychological literacy further impedes access to care.
The study provides initial insights into which social groups are most vulnerable and how mental well-being correlates with socioeconomic status. Although many participants express openness to psychotherapy, cultural norms and financial constraints remain powerful deterrents.
The presentation will highlight selected findings from the report, focusing on patterns of help-seeking behaviour, perceived barriers, and prevalent public misconceptions surrounding mental health.