NEWS

Say It Out Loud

Polish American Association launches Mental Health Awareness Campaign titled Say it Out Loud – (SIOL). There has been a documented need to educate Polish immigrants about mental illness and reducing its stigma. The stress of coping with starting a new life in a foreign country and untreated depression are significant risk factors for mental health disorders.

Because of the war-time experiences older generation tend to be specifically affected by mental illnesses. The experiences of torture, displacement, and separation from family and friends not only have had a permanent impact on their perception of the world, but have also influenced their coping abilities. As a result, they often experience loss of cultural identity, personal relationships and feel of social loneliness, which, in turn, contributes to the onset of mental illness. It has been noted that there is a chronic lack of Polish language information, in regard to mental health.

The project will begin with translation Say it Out Loud Campaign (SIOL) message into Polish. Next, the project will produce radio ads, TV commercials and print materials. PAA will then design a monthly plan for dissemination of information. 

The project is looking to achieve the following outcomes within the Polish immigrant community: improved functioning of individuals, improved relationships within family systems, and reduced stigma about seeking mental health treatment. PAA strongly believes that individuals who possess more information about mental illness are less stigmatizing than individuals who have very little or no information on the subject.