When it comes to pastoral care Saxony the phone doesn’t stop. Last year, operators registered 44,272 calls and nearly 2,000 chats for this offer. Dresden Ecumenical Telephone Counseling had the most questions (9,575), followed by Oberlausitz Telephone Counseling (8,372) and Vogtland Telephone Counseling (7,671). This emerged from the Ministry of Social Affairs’ response to a minor question from MP Susanne Schaper (Left) in state parliament.
Anyone in an acute life crisis needs help
“Saxony is one of the states with the highest suicide rate,” Schaper said. Anyone who is in an acute life crisis or cannot solve serious problems on their own needs immediate help. “Easily accessible, anonymous if necessary, and long before suicidal thoughts arise,” he emphasized. Telephone counseling services, children’s and youth hotlines and parent hotlines are in high demand. The Saxony government must accept this offer of assistance on a permanent basis. “Public health services must be expanded so that prevention efforts can be increased.”
Loneliness and depression are often reasons for calling
According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, there is no statistical information regarding the duration or reasons for the discussions. However, the main reasons mentioned in the service providers’ factual reports included loneliness and isolation, mental illness, depressed mood and emotional stress. Poor physical health, tension in the family, fear, problems with neighbors, and suicidal thoughts also play a role.
Schaper believed that political solutions to many difficulties were possible. “Loneliness and isolation not only affect older people, but also young people. In Saxony there is still no in-depth discussion on this matter, data and strategies for action do not yet exist. The government must strengthen cohesion.
Left-wing groups suggested “chat boxes” as a meeting place
The meeting place must be accessible to everyone. “Sociability often depends on a person’s wallet – that’s one of the reasons we fight poverty. Chatting places can also be a simple tool: whoever uses them signals a desire to start a conversation,” stressed the left-wing politician. It is also important to encourage volunteer work so that those affected can help each other.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251118-930-306261/1
