PAPAL NOVEMBER PRAYER INTENTION: PEOPLE WHO SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION
Following is the message sent by Pope Francis in the video released this afternoon with his November 2021 prayer intention:
“Overwork and work-related stress, cause many people to experience extreme exhaustion —mental, emotional, affective, and physical exhaustion.
“Sadness, apathy, and spiritual tiredness end up dominating people’s lives, who are overloaded due to the rhythm of life today.
“Let us try to be close to those who are exhausted, to those who are desperate, without hope. Often, we should just simply listen in silence, because we cannot go and tell someone, “No, life’s not like that. Listen to me, I’ll give you the solution.” There’s no solution.
“And besides, let us not forget that, along with the indispensable psychological counseling, which is useful and effective, Jesus’ words also help. It comes to my mind and heart: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
“Let us pray that people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life.”
Vatican news said the November prayer intention video was prepared with the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers. It also noted that around 1 in 10 people worldwide lives with a mental health disorder, amounting to 792 million people or 11 percent of the population. Depression and anxiety account for around 3 and 4 percent, respectively, of those illnesses. They can sometimes lead to suicide when left untreated or are severe and recurrent. Some 700,000 people commit suicide each year, making it the fourth leading cause of death in people aged 15 to 29.
Click here for papal video with English subtitles: Pope’s November prayer intention: For those who suffer from depression – Vatican News