The first step is always to talk. Openly discussing emotions prevents crises and also builds stronger relationships with loved ones. It's always worth getting things off your chest. Difficult emotions are not like stamps or vinyl records – there's no point in collecting them. A conversation with loved ones can provide an immediate feeling of relief. Sometimes, however, support from loved ones is not enough. Where to seek help in a crisis?
Fighting depression and stereotypes, but by an operator? What?! Well ahoy, we are a mobile operator, but a community-oriented one! At Mobile Vikings, we care not only about our own, and socially important topics are close to our hearts. We break patterns not only in the telco industry. Life Rafts is a project that functions thanks to the dedicated community of Vikings.
When to seek help in a crisis?
If you or someone in your (immediate) environment has noticed significant changes in your behavior, there's no time to wait. Withdrawal from social life? Loss of interest or persistent sadness? Or perhaps a feeling of helplessness, sleep problems, constant lack of energy? Changes in appetite or body weight? A feeling of anxiety? Fear of the future? Apathy and indifference? Or, conversely – you suddenly get irritated often, even by things that previously didn't matter to you? You get furious and find it hard to control?
This list could go on almost indefinitely. However, always send an SOS signal when changes in your behavior are significant, as this is already a sign that something is happening and intervention may be needed.
Significant – and long-lasting – changes in your mental state should cause you concern. Find the strength within yourself to seek help. Or at least ask a close person to do so for you. Don't suppress difficult emotions, don't try at all costs to cope on your own. And remember: temporary relief doesn't necessarily mean that the symptoms won't return. And with double the force.
Seriously, seek professional help.
Where to seek help in a crisis?
Psychiatric treatment in Poland is free of charge, regardless of whether you have health insurance. This means that even if you don't pay contributions or are not registered for insurance by your relatives, you can still get free and specialized help.
Such treatment is also not reported anywhere. For example, your employer will not be informed of the reason for your sick leave. So you don't have to worry about societal stigmatization – this will remain your private matter.
Do you feel you need support? Where to seek help in a crisis? Here!
Use the psychological first aid of the Nie Widać Po Mnie Foundation by calling emergency number 797 058 341. If a Foundation agent is unavailable at the moment, send an SMS to number 508 718 904 – they will definitely call you back!
Also save this number: 800 70 2222. This is a free, 24/7 direct support line for people in a state of mental crisis.
Let's repeat:
Foundation emergency number: 797 058 341
direct support line: 800 70 2222
Many numbers? And that's good – on one hand, it might be hard to remember them all (it's worth saving them in your phone), but on the other hand, it's a clear signal that you take mental health seriously, and there are more people on this drakkar from whom you can get help. You are not sailing alone.
There are two more life-saving phone numbers.
Intervene immediately if you experience suicidal thoughts. In such a situation, when there is an immediate threat to life, call immediately or ask a loved one to call:
emergency number 112 or ambulance service number 999.
Also check out the Guides to the mental health system for adults (as well as children and youth) prepared by the Nie Widać Po Mnie Foundation. You can find them on the Foundation's website.
What is the difference between a psychologist, psychotherapist, and psychiatrist?
Who can help you when your head is giving you a hard time? Are you in a crisis, going through a difficult period, or simply feel that something is wrong? Check who you should contact – depending on what you need.
Psychiatrist
This is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats mental disorders. They can prescribe medication, suggest therapy, and, if necessary, refer to a psychiatric hospital.
Psychologist
Talks, analyzes emotions and behaviors, sometimes uses psychological tests. Does not prescribe medication or conduct therapy, but will help you understand what's happening and where to look for further support.
Psychotherapist
Conducts therapy — individual, group, or family — which helps to manage difficult emotions and situations. Works according to a specific method and always operates within an established plan.
Where to seek help in a mental health crisis? Step by step:
- Is it bad right here, right now? Call the phone numbers provided above.
- First contact: family doctor (POZ). They can assess your condition and issue a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist (the visit is free under the NFZ).
- Psychiatrist – if you need diagnosis and/or medication. You can register without a referral (also under the NFZ). They are a medical doctor – they can implement pharmacological treatment and refer further (e.g., for therapy).
- Psychologist – if you want to talk and understand what's happening.
- Psychotherapist – if you want to work through difficulties. This is collaborative work on emotions, anxiety, stress, or trauma. Therapy can be individual, group, or family. You can use the NFZ (usually through a clinic) or private services.
- Local support. Check crisis intervention centers, foundations, NGOs – they often offer help for free and without a referral.
Also check out:
- How does psychoeducation work?
- Stereotypical thinking about depression – fight it
- Masks of depression
- Not every crisis is a disorder
This article was created in cooperation with the Nie Widać Po Mnie Foundation, which is Mobile Vikings' Partner in the 12th edition of Life Rafts. You can find out why a mobile operator decided to fight depression on the website SzalupyRatunkowe.pl/shed-the-load.
Article fact-checked by experts from the Nie Widać Po Mnie Foundation.
Sources:
- Nie Widać Po Mnie Foundation, Psychological first aid. Essential information for adults in crisis. Where and how to seek help?, Warsaw 2024.
- https://www.gov.pl/web/koronawirus/gdzie-znajdziesz-pomoc-w-przypadku-
pogorszenia-stanu-psychicznego - https://www.nfz.gov.pl/zarzadzenia-prezesa/zarzadzenia-prezesa-
nfz/zarzadzenie-nr-572007dsoz,2830.html - https://pacjent.gov.pl/archiwum/2021/leczenie-ambulatoryjne-doroslych
