Germany: Support initiatives address grief and bereavement

grief support Malteser Hilfsdienst bereavement hospice care psychology

Various social and psychological initiatives in Germany are addressing the complexities of grief and bereavement. The Malteser Hilfsdienst has launched a nationwide pilot project, including a course in Engelskirchen, designed to help neighbors, friends, and colleagues support those in mourning more effectively.

In Miltenberg, Alois Sauer, a 72-year-old widower and member of the Ecumenical Hospice Association, has highlighted the specific challenges faced by men, who often struggle to express emotions. In response, the association has introduced specialized offerings, such as cooking courses, to provide social support for widowers.

Additionally, the psychological phenomenon of cherophobia—the fear of happiness—is being examined as a factor that can cause individuals to sabotage positive life situations due to an underlying fear of impending misfortune.

Entities

Alois Sauer · Ecumenical Hospice Association · Engelskirchen · Germany · Malteser Hilfsdienst e. V. · Miltenberg

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Alois Sauer is a 72-year-old former mayor from the Miltenberg district. www.hna.de · www.merkur.de
[● 2 SOURCES] The hospice association offered a three-part cooking course for widowers in October. www.hna.de · www.merkur.de
[● 2 SOURCES] The Ecumenical Hospice Association in Miltenberg expanded its grief support services following Sauer's initiative. www.hna.de · www.merkur.de
[● 2 SOURCES] Sauer's wife died from cancer in July 2023. www.hna.de · www.merkur.de