Trójka Program 3 of Polish Radio

I appeared multiple times on Trójka Program 3 of Polish Radio — one of Poland’s most recognized public radio stations — to discuss teenage mental health crises and the role of parental responsibility.

Teenage suicidal crises and adult responsibility

The main broadcast, hosted by Katarzyna Stoparczyk, focused on a critical issue: according to Polish National Police data, at least six teenagers attempt suicide every day in Poland. Specialists estimate that for every completed suicide, there are 100 to 200 attempts — many of which remain unknown even to families.

I participated in the program alongside Dr. Hala Witkowska, a suicidologist and creator of the first Polish educational platform for people in suicidal crisis (“Życie Warte Jest Rozmowy” — Life Is Worth a Conversation). I shared my personal perspective as a parent who went through a child’s suicidal crisis — what the Polish Ombudsman’s Commission calls an “expert by experience.”

Key topics we discussed

Finding the right balance as a parent. I described what my child taught me after returning from the hospital — a concept I call “the elastic band.” You need to be close enough that your child feels your presence, but not so close that you suffocate them with overprotection. Both extremes — denial and over-caring — are equally harmful.

The generational gap. Technology has created an unprecedented divide between parents and teenagers. We don’t engage with what young people watch, listen to, or who their role models are. We dismiss their world as trivial, and then we’re surprised we can’t even establish a common language for conversation.

Breaking through false loyalty. Young people often know about a friend’s crisis but stay silent out of misplaced loyalty. The key advice: if you’re a young person and you know someone is struggling — reach out to a trusted adult. It doesn’t have to be your parent.

How music and media can save lives. American rapper Logic wrote a song titled “1-800-273-8255” — the number for the US Suicide Prevention Lifeline. After its release, the hotline saw a significant increase in calls. This demonstrates how pop culture can become a bridge to people in crisis.

Where to get help

If you or someone you know is in crisis, reach out:

• Poland: Telefon Zaufania dla Dzieci i Młodzieży — 116 111
• Poland: Centrum Wsparcia dla osób dorosłych w kryzysie psychicznym — 800 70 2222
• International: Życie Warte Jest Rozmowy — educational platform for people in suicidal crisis
• USA: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — 988