Helplines are often called in Saxony

The phones never stop ringing at the pastoral care service in Saxony. Last year, the providers registered 44,272 calls and almost 2,000 chats for this service. The Ecumenical Telephone Counseling Service in Dresden (9,575) had the most inquiries, followed by the Upper Lusatia Telephone Counseling Service (8,372) and the Vogtland Telephone Counseling Service (7,671). This is according to an answer from the Ministry of Social Affairs to a minor question from Susanne Schaper (Left Party) in the state parliament.

Those in an acute life crisis need help

"Saxony is one of the federal states with the highest suicide rates," said Schaper. Anyone in an acute life crisis or unable to solve serious problems on their own needs direct help. "Easily accessible, anonymous if necessary and well before suicidal thoughts arise," she emphasized. There is high demand for telephone counseling, children's and youth helplines and the parents' helpline. Saxony's government must secure these support services in the long term. "The public health service must be expanded so that it can strengthen its prevention services."

Loneliness and depression often the reason for calls

According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, there is no statistical data on the duration and reason for the calls. However, the main reasons cited in the reports from the providers include loneliness and isolation, mental illness, depressive moods and emotional stress. Poor physical health, tensions in the family, anxiety, problems with neighbors and suicidal thoughts also played a role.

Schaper believes that a political solution is conceivable for many difficulties. "Loneliness and isolation do not only affect older people, but also younger people to a large extent. In Saxony, there is still no in-depth discussion about this, and there is a lack of data and a strategy for action." The government must strengthen cohesion,

Leftists propose "chatting benches" as meeting places

Meeting places must be accessible to everyone. "Socializing often depends on your wallet - that's another reason why we are fighting poverty. Chatting benches would also be a simple solution: those who use them signal their desire to engage in conversation," emphasized the Left Party politician. It is also worth promoting volunteering so that those affected can help each other.