Depression and mental health in Poland 2025. How many people are sick and what are the consequences?
Even though 64 percent of respondents assess their mental health as rather good, as many as 66 percent of us experience chronic fatigue, and one in four adult Poles meets the criteria for depression – according to the report of the Institute of Psychology of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IP PAN), described by the website rybzdrowie.pl.
The report entitled “Mental well-being in Poland. What do we think about psychological help?” was based on a study conducted in the last quarter of 2024 on a representative sample of 647 adult Polish men and women. The results indicate that although many of us declare good mental health, a closer look paints a different picture:
— 66 percent respondents struggle with chronic fatigue,
— 30 percent often feels the lack of a loved one in their environment,
— Every fourth person meets the criteria for possible depression.
Among people diagnosed with psychiatry, cases of depression (77%) and anxiety disorders (55%) predominate. 23 percent experience symptoms of low mood, and almost 15 percent struggles with intrusive thoughts or beliefs about being the object of conspiracies.
The situation is particularly difficult for young adults. As emphasized by Dr. Hab. Marta Marchlewska, prof. IP PAN, their lives take place in the shadow of numerous crises, such as a pandemic, war or information overload. This leads to emotional overload, burnout and a sense of meaninglessness.
Why do Poles avoid psychological help?
Even though almost half of the respondents considered seeking help from a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist, only 38 percent actually took such a step. What's stopping them?
— 54 percent thinks they can handle it on their own,
— 44 percent hopes that the problem will solve itself,
— 48 percent points to lack of financial resources as a barrier.
Shame also plays an important role. As much as 71 percent people without a psychiatric diagnosis are afraid of social stigma, while among people with diagnoses this percentage is only 27%.
“Our ideas about psychological help are often more severe than reality. They block access to support,” comments Prof. Marchlewska.
The IP PAN report was created as part of the Psychology for Society program, financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The study results show that actions are necessary to increase the availability of psychological assistance and education in this area.
Source: Rynek Zdrowia
