Breaking the Silence: Suicide Prevention Among Polish Men in Scotland

As we observe World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, we draw attention to the mental health struggles of Polish men living in Scotland – a community often overlooked in mental health discussions. 

The Hidden Crisis 

Scotland is home to a large Polish community, with men comprising a significant portion of this population. Yet, within this group, mental health issues, particularly around suicide, are often shrouded in silence. Cultural stigma, the pressure of adapting to a new environment, and the responsibilities of supporting families back in Poland create a perfect storm, pushing many men to their limits. 

A report by Feniks*, a charity that supports Central Eastern European communities in Edinburgh, sheds light on the distressing rates of suicide among Polish men in Scotland. The report points to isolation, cultural displacement, and language barriers as significant contributors to this crisis. 

A Story of Resilience: Piotr’s Journey 

Piotr**, a 43-year-old Polish man, had been living in Scotland for over a decade. He moved here with high hopes, seeking better opportunities for himself and his family. However, the reality of his situation soon became overwhelming. The long hours he worked as a delivery driver, coupled with the isolation of living away from his family, took a toll on his mental health. 

“I felt like I was just a machine, working non-stop with no one to talk to,” Piotr shares. “The loneliness was unbearable, but I didn’t want to burden my family with my problems.” 

Piotr’s struggles eventually led him to a breaking point. It was then that he encountered Feniks through a recommendation from a friend. He began attending their mental health support sessions and, for the first time, felt he could open up about his feelings without fear of judgment. 

Through Feniks, Piotr also engaged with their community projects, which helped him rebuild his social connections and find a sense of belonging in Scotland. “It wasn’t easy, but talking about it, sharing my pain with others who understood, made a huge difference,” Piotr says. “I realised I wasn’t alone, and that gave me the strength to keep going.” 

The Critical Role of Support Services 

Ethnic minority organisations like Feniks play an essential role in addressing the unique mental health needs of Polish men in Scotland. They provide culturally sensitive counselling, support groups, and outreach programmes designed specifically for Central Eastern European communities. Services are often offered in Polish, helping to bridge the language gap that can prevent many from seeking help. 

Feniks also works to increase awareness about mental health and suicide prevention within the Polish community. Their initiatives include an award-winning campaign “Shed Your Armour, Show the Scars” distributing information in Polish shops, churches, and online platforms, as well as training Community Ambassadors to spot the signs of mental distress. 

How You Can Help

This World Suicide Prevention Day, we urge everyone to reflect on the challenges faced by minority communities, particularly those like Piotr who may feel isolated and overwhelmed. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out for help is crucial. Whether it’s through a local charity like Feniks, a helpline, or simply confiding in a friend, breaking the silence is the first step towards healing. 

Remember, there is always hope, and help is available – even when it feels like the world is closing in. 

If you need to talk to someone, the professional help is available: 

• At the GP Practice – make an appointment; you can take a loved one with you and ask for an interpreter 
• on the NHS24 helpline – call 111. The service has access to the language line 
• Breathing Space – NHS mental health helpline – 0800 83 85 87 
• in Feniks, where Polish therapists work – 0131 629 1881 – service limited due to availability of funds 
• at your local Crisis Center – services have language line access – 0808 801 0414 
• Samaritans – Scottish helpline provides confidential emotional support to anyone experiencing mental health issues – 116 123 

*Feniks was established in 2007 as a grass-roots organisation to improve outcomes for Edinburgh’s Central and Eastern European (CEE) migrant communities. For the last 17 years, our organisation has provided a range of support services to promote the wellbeing and rights of those communities, including 1-1 counselling, psychotherapy, personal development services, group support and outreach activities. 

**Name changed to protect privacy. 

Our current work is with the Polish and Ukrainian communities in the city. We can offer: 

• Counselling and psychotherapy in their native languages 
• Link working 
• Community groups 
• Wellbeing workshops and other activities focused on improving mental health 

We are also very proud to have a group of amazing and dedicated volunteers, without whom we would not be able to operate so well. 

Find out more about Feniks and the support they offer.

Do you live and/or work in Edinburgh and want to share your own experiences of mental health and wellbeing and the different ways keep you well? If you would like us to share your story, please email ithrive@health-in-mind.org.uk.