The topic of depression and suicide among youth was not shyed away from at World Youth Day. During Stations of the Cross, the meditations included reflections on mental health struggles. It featured a testimony from a 29-year-old American who suffered from depression after his parents divorce.
CALEB
I sank deep into depression, struggled with self harm, became a drug addict and I really had a desire to end my life. I let the pain lead me to embracing all the selfish desires that were within me.
Caleb's story is not rare. During the press conference on the flight back from World Youth Day, the topic was introduced once again. Here, Pope Francis revealed that a young man opened up to him about his mental health struggles.
POPE FRANCIS
And at the end he said, 'Thank you, because last year I was undecided whether to (commit suicide) or not.' So many anxious, depressed, young people but not only psychologically.
I am not saying it is an everyday thing, but it is a problem. It is a real problem.
This is not the first time Pope Francis has spoken out on this issue. Most recently, he even used his homily during Palm Sunday Mass to draw attention to depression and suicide among youth.
AT
