Prayers for Depression
Psalm 41's refrain — 'Why art thou sad, O my soul, and why dost thou trouble me?' — is scripture arguing with its own darkness, which is permission to do the same. The Church names depression an illness, not a failure of faith.
Traditional prayers
Anima Christi (Soul of Christ)
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within thy wounds hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from thee.
From the malicious enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me,
and bid me come to thee,
that with thy saints I may praise thee
for ever and ever. Amen.
Memorare
that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of virgins, my Mother;
to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
From Scripture
2As the hart panteth after the fountains of water; so my soul panteth after thee, O God.
3My soul hath thirsted after the strong living God; when shall I come and appear before the face of God?
6Why art thou sad, O my soul? and why dost thou trouble me? Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him: the salvation of my countenance,
— Psalm 41 (42), vv. 2-3, 6, Douay-Rheims · read the full chapter
19The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart: and he will save the humble of spirit.
— Psalm 33 (34), vv. 19, Douay-Rheims · read the full chapter
28Come to me all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you.
29Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: And you shall find rest to your souls.
30For my yoke is sweet and my burden light.
— Matthew 11, vv. 28-30, Douay-Rheims · read the full chapter
Psalm numbers follow the Douay-Rheims (Vulgate) numbering; the common Hebrew numbering appears in parentheses.
Pray a novena
Patron saints for this intention
How to use these prayers
If you are in crisis, reach for professional help now — in the US, call or text 988. Prayer walks with treatment, never instead of it.