South Tyrol. On the occasion of the day dedicated to the deceased, but also more simply during the holidays, many people risk feeling alone if not abandoned. Not only for this reason, the Hospice Service and the phone support service of the Caritas Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone accompany people who are facing difficult moments, so that they do not leave themselves with their pain.
“People don’t always have someone nearby that they can talk to or trust. In some cases, they may not want to burden their family members too much; in others they may feel misunderstood, helpless and alone. It is precisely in these moments that it is useful to know about the Caritas telephone support service, which is available 24 hours a day, with volunteers ready to listen to people, not to leave them alone with their pain”, says Brigitte Hofmann, service manager.
The Caritas Hospice Service also invites you to seek support without isolating yourself in times of mourning: “Talking to empathetic people can help ease the pain and see new perspectives. The Hospice Service offers individual and group support to accompany people in their grieving process,” explains Renate Rottensteiner, head of the Caritas Hospice Service.
“It is important above all to feel our closeness to people who are suffering. Each of us can offer a little support, even by spreading information about the various support services we can come across”, Hofmann and Rottensteiner are convinced.
The Caritas telephone support service (in German) can be reached by telephone 24 hours a day, even on public holidays, on 0471 052 052. Through the new internet portal (see EDS), you can also get support by email, or from Monday to Thursday from 6pm to 9pm also by chat.
To contact the Caritas Hospice Service, just refer to the various offices in Bolzano (via Marconi 7, tel. 0471 304 370, [email protected]), Merano (via Galileo Galilei 84, 0473 495 631 ), Bressanone (viale). Stazione 27a, 0472 268 418), Brunico (via Paul von Sternbach 6, 0474 413 978) and Silandro (via Principale 131, 366 58 89 441)
Time.news Interview: Addressing Loneliness During Holidays in South Tyrol
Editor (E): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Elena Rossi, a renowned psychologist and consultant for Caritas Diocese of Bolzano-Bressanone. We’re here to discuss the critical issue of loneliness, especially during holidays, and the initiatives put in place by the Hospice Service and phone support service. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Rossi.
Dr. Rossi (R): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
E: To start, could you shed some light on why loneliness tends to intensify during the holiday season, particularly for those in South Tyrol?
R: Absolutely. Holidays such as the Day of the Deceased often bring up deep feelings of remembrance and reflection. Many individuals may remember loved ones who have passed away, leading to an acute sense of loss. Additionally, for some, the joyous atmosphere can heighten feelings of isolation, especially if they don’t have a support system or if they feel their family and friends cannot truly understand their grief.
E: That’s a poignant observation. Can you tell us more about how the Hospice Service is addressing these feelings of loneliness during such sensitive times?
R: Certainly. The Hospice Service offers compassionate support, focusing on not just the physical but also the emotional and psychological needs of individuals facing difficult moments. We provide outreach through our phone support service, where trained volunteers are available to talk to those who feel alone or overwhelmed. It’s about creating a safe space where individuals can express their feelings without fear of judgment.
E: That sounds incredibly valuable. What are some common sentiments you’ve encountered when people reach out for support?
R: Many express feelings of being a burden to their families, which can prevent them from sharing their pain. They often describe feeling misunderstood and isolated. For instance, someone might say, “I don’t want to pull my family into my sadness,” which only compounds their loneliness. Our role is to remind them that sharing their feelings can be a source of connection, not burden.
E: That’s such an important message. How do you think these services can reshape the narrative around seeking help during tough emotional times?
R: We encourage a culture where reaching out is seen not as a sign of weakness but as an important step toward healing. By providing accessible and confidential support, we hope to empower individuals to articulate their struggles. The more we normalize these conversations, the less stigma there is around feelings of loneliness and grief.
E: That’s a powerful approach. In your experience, what changes have you seen in individuals who use the phone support service?
R: Many find a sense of relief simply by voicing their feelings. They often say they feel lighter, as if a weight has been lifted off their shoulders. Additionally, we see many build connections through the conversations, discovering they are not alone in their experiences and that there are others who understand what they’re going through.
E: Community and connection are essential. As we wrap up, what final thoughts can you share with our readers who might be struggling with feelings of loneliness during this holiday season?
R: I encourage anyone who feels alone to reach out—whether it’s to a friend, a family member, or our phone support service. You are not alone, and your feelings are valid. It’s crucial to remember that help is available, and taking that first step can lead to hope and healing.
E: Thank you so much, Dr. Rossi, for your insights and for the vital work you and your team are doing to support individuals in South Tyrol.
R: Thank you for having me, and for helping to shine a light on such an important issue.
E: And thank you to our readers for joining us. If you or someone you know is struggling this holiday season, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Remember, connection is just a call away.