Health and behavioral health-care providers must judge for themselves the extent to which these tips still apply to their Polish American patients. Poles stoically endure physical illness. Pain may be commented on, but people generally work and function despite discomfort. Many Poles find mental illness frightening because it not only impairs performance, but also involves loss of control over behavior.
Performance is an important measure of self-respect.
Expressing anxiety about performance is not accepted. Poles may fear dependency because they're expected to take care themselves. Being taken care of implies weakness and an inability to manage by yourself. In a number of Eastern European countries, including Poland, drinking alcoholic beverages is part of the culture. In working with Polish American families, the caregiver should be active, practical, and down to earth.