Coping well with quiet days

What is loneliness?

Loneliness is a complex phenomenon. Loneliness arises when we experience less social closeness than we would like. It describes the feeling that something is missing in our relationships, a gap between what we need and what is actually there. We can also feel lonely among many people; we do not necessarily have to feel lonely when we are alone.

A social problem

Loneliness is not a personal failure, but an expression of social change. In today's modern societies, including Switzerland, the risk of feeling alone is increasing. One of the main reasons for this is increasing individualisation: traditional social structures such as family, village or religious communities are losing importance, while more and more people are living in single-person or two-person households.

According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), feelings of loneliness in the general population rose slightly between 2017 and the last health survey in 2022. The increase mainly affects people aged 15 to 24, among whom the figures have more than doubled (from 4% to 10%).

Dynamics during the Christmas season

During the Christmas season, the issue takes on a dynamic of its own and can, of course, affect all age groups. At Christmas time, many people often get the impression that everyone is celebrating with family or friends. This idea puts pressure on many people to spend the holidays in company as well. If this image remains unfulfilled or if the festive anticipation does not materialise, feelings of isolation or loneliness can arise more easily.

Finding alternatives

For this reason, it is important that you find alternatives for yourself during the festive season. We will show you what you can do to combat feelings of loneliness.

Do something good for yourself: Think about what you would like to do for yourself. The pressure of work is enormous in the run-up to Christmas. There is nothing wrong with simply relaxing over the Christmas holidays. A relaxing bath instead of the hustle and bustle under the Christmas tree can bring more contemplation.

Events: Every city or region offers events during the holidays. A visit to a restaurant or café can have a surprisingly connecting effect during the holidays. There you will meet people who are also out and about on their own and quickly strike up a conversation. It can be good to feel that you are not alone in your Christmas solitude.

Volunteering or seeking help yourself? Many people come out of their own loneliness when they help others and get involved in voluntary work. There are various platforms for this, such as Pro Senectute: volunteering, Benenvol: benevol Switzerland is the umbrella organisation for regional specialist agencies, Caritas: https://www.caritas.ch.

If you need help yourself, the following addresses are also available during the festive season: Dargebotene Hand: Home ¦ 143.ch Dargebotene Hand, Pro Mente Sana: Advice for those affected and their loved ones | Pro Mente Sana | Strengthening mental health

One thing is clear: loneliness is not a personal failure, but a social issue. That is why it is important that we raise awareness and engage in discourse within society.

We wish you a merry and fulfilling Christmas, without feelings of loneliness.