Catholic Church leaders are urging the faithful to observe Depression Awareness Month in November by praying for and reaching out to people who live with depression.

 “Let us #PrayTogether that people who suffer from depression or burn-out will find support and a light that opens them up to life," Pope Francis posted in a Prayer Intention on Twitter Nov. 3.

In response, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops posted its support of the Pope's message. 

“We  join the Holy Father this month in praying for everyone who suffers from depression," the Bishops stated on Twitter. "Let us all accompany and remind those afflicted that  Jesus is always by their side. #praytogether.”

Waterloo Catholics states on its website that approximately 7% of adults, 2.5% of children, 8.5% of adolescents and 15% of senior citizens experience an episode of depression each year. 

Depression differs from the sadness everyone feels occasionally for a few days at a time. Healthline describes major depressive disorder as "a diagnosable condition that’s classified as a mood disorder and can bring about long-lasting symptoms such as overwhelming sadness, low energy, loss of appetite, and a lack of interest in things that used to bring pleasure." The Healthline website also states that untreated depression can cause serious health problems and put one's life at risk.

The Catholic Bishops of California addressed depression in a 2018 letter titled “Hope and Healing.” 

According to Waterloo Catholics, the Bishops acknowledged in the letter that mental disorders, including depression, cannot be "cured" with prayer alone and that "Christians have a duty to reach out to people who are suffering and do everything in their power to help alleviate that suffering." 

Waterloo also shares Saint Ignatius of Loyola’s Prayer Against Depression: “O Christ Jesus, when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us the sense of Your presence, Your love, and Your strength. Help us to have perfect trust in Your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for living close to You, we shall see Your hand, Your purpose, Your will through all things.”