Mental health is something that touches nearly every life, in one way or another. Whether it’s anxiety that quietly shadows our days, the deep ache of depression, or the unseen weight of stress and worry, these struggles are not rare — they are profoundly human. For some, the challenges come and go; for others, they are lifelong companions that require courage, compassion, and faith to navigate.
That’s why October, designated as Mental Health Awareness Month, is such a meaningful time to pause and take stock — not only because the days are growing shorter and the light fades earlier, but because it invites us to open our hearts to those who suffer, and to remember that no one is alone in their pain.
As autumn settles in and the natural world slows, we are gently reminded of the fragility of our inner lives — and of the hope that faith can bring, even in shadow.
This year, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Archdiocese of San Antonio are among those inviting us to respond through prayer — by joining beautiful novenas for mental health, offering nine days of reflection and intercession for healing, peace, and understanding.
Breaking the silence
The Archdiocese of San Antonio's own reflection reminds us:
“Most of us will likely face a mental health challenge at some point — and that’s okay.”
Despite how common these experiences are, stigma still lingers. It can make people feel ashamed, isolated, or afraid to reach out. Yet our faith teaches us something radically different: that every person is precious, that weakness does not define us, and that God’s love meets us right where we are — especially in our brokenness.
Prayer is one way we can begin to break that silence, both in our hearts and in our communities.
St. Dymphna: Patroness of mental health
The first novena centers on St. Dymphna, a 7th-century Irish princess whose story has inspired centuries of devotion among those suffering from mental illness.
When her father’s mental instability turned dangerous, Dymphna fled her homeland, only to be martyred for her faith in Belgium. The people of Geel built a church in her honor, and pilgrims soon flocked there seeking healing. Remarkably, the townspeople began welcoming those pilgrims into their homes — creating a model of compassionate, stigma-free living that endures to this day.
Here’s the St. Dymphna Novena Prayer:
Good St. Dymphna, great wonder worker in every affliction of mind and body,
we humbly implore your powerful intercession with Jesus through Mary,
for the health of the sick.
St. Dymphna, patroness of persons with mental health conditions,
always look out for those men and women,
for their healing and recovery,
and for an end to stigma and indifference in society. Amen.
St. Dymphna, pray for us!
A Nationwide call to prayer
The U.S. bishops’ Mental Health Novena extends this invitation to all the faithful, guiding us through nine days of prayer and reflection on themes such as Removing Stigmas, Seeking Help, Finding Hope, Healing, and Peace. Each day offers Scripture, intentions, and reflection points that open our hearts to those who live with mental illness — and to their families, caregivers, and communities.
You can find the full selection of daily prayers for the novena on the USCCB website here.
Pray, learn, and act
The Archdiocese of San Antonio echoes this same spirit with its campaign to “Pray, Learn, and Act.” It reminds us that healing often comes through many channels — through prayer, yes, but also through professional help, understanding friends, and patient love. The Church, in her wisdom, calls us to care for the whole person: body, mind, and soul.
While the proposed dates for the Novena run from October 10 through to October 18 -- the feast of St. Luke, the patron of health care -- there is nothing from stopping you joining in now, or even altering the dates a little so you can complete the full Novena.
