Is it easier to wage war over an embryo in the womb than to fight for the life of an adult, helpless man who has lost his job or sees no meaning in life because no one supports him or an addiction has defeated him? Will the pandemic and the crisis associated with it affect the number of suicides and suicide attempts in Poland? Will forcing men to remain in their cultural role as strong, macho figures who do not give in to any emotions and are obliged to provide for a “weaker” woman and children not cause men to take their own lives more often? Will the government campaign against people with minority sexual orientations drive suicide statistics to new heights? And finally, shouldn’t pro-life organizations care about life in its entirety, especially life after birth? Isn’t it time for them to create social campaigns addressing suicides in Poland instead of focusing on women’s wombs?
We have addressed the subject of suicide many times. In June this year, we conducted our most important interview on the subject with Franciszek Małecki Trzaskoś, president of the board of the Institute for Research and Analysis of Local Government Unit Activities, based in Kraków.
The most important issue raised by our interviewee was information about a 107% year-on-year increase in suicides in Bolesławiec County in 2018/2019. The number of people attempting suicide also rose dramatically. Franciszek Małecki Trzaskoś also told us that Poles, as a society, lack empathy. They are unable to look at the world from the perspective of the person they are speaking with. He also emphasized the virtually nonexistent interest in suicides among city and village authorities.
– The municipality assumes that if it closes its eyes, the problem does not exist. PCPR and MOPS social assistance centers are underfunded. Suicide is a taboo subject, but it should not be. My dream is for city authorities, when presenting a report on the state of the city, to admit that they have failed when it comes to suicides in the city, the institute’s president added.
Important information
At the Provincial Hospital for the Nervously and Mentally Ill in Bolesławiec, a Community Psychological and Psychotherapeutic Care Center for Children and Adolescents has operated since April 1, 2020. Registration: +48 571 306 436.
Patients up to the age of 21 are admitted under an agreement with the National Health Fund (students and school pupils). The center employs professional, certified therapists. The center provides:
- comprehensive psychological assessment
- individual, group and family psychotherapy
- psychological and community support
Mental Health Clinic for Adults: Registration +48 571 306 367
Where can you seek help in crisis situations? All helplines and support contacts: samobojstwo.pl