On Thursday, May 8, 2025, renowned Brazilian priest and musician Padre Fábio de Melo opened up about his battle with depression during a heartfelt appearance on the popular morning show 'Mais Você', hosted by Ana Maria Braga. His candid discussion touched on deeply personal topics, including the profound impact of his mother’s death due to COVID-19 in 2021.
Padre Fábio, who described the month of August 2024 as the most challenging period of his life, shared that he felt overwhelmed by his emotions and struggles at that time. "Today I am well, thank God. […] I was a very sad, melancholic boy, sometimes dark, and it was a trait of my personality that I lived with for a long time until I realized it had a name, that it was a disease," he revealed, shedding light on his journey towards understanding his mental health.
His mother, Ana Maria de Melo, passed away at the age of 83 in Uberlândia, Brazil, leaving a lasting void in his life. The priest recounted the last moments he shared with her via video call while she was hospitalized, recalling how she tried to comfort him despite her own suffering. "When she saw me, she forgot her pain. She wanted to calm me down. I saw that she was panting, pretending she wasn’t. I said, ‘Mom, you’re going to sleep a little because you’re very tired,’ and I think she knew she wouldn’t come back. She said, ‘Yes, I’m very tired, Fabinho, but I’ll be back soon.’ And that was the last time. After that, I received a sealed body," he lamented, tears in his eyes.
Reflecting on his grief, Padre Fábio emphasized that the death of his mother is an event that will never truly end for him. "The death of my mother is an event that will never end," he stated, expressing the depth of his sorrow. He attributed this loss as one of the primary triggers for his depression, stating, "The reason for crying is very mysterious. So if you ask what was the main reason that made me sick, I can’t say. I just know that I had some episodes, some situations that affected me and still do, but I think my mother’s death was behind it all.”
During the interview, he also addressed societal pressures that often inhibit individuals from properly processing their grief. "I think we don’t have time for mourning, we don’t have time for the end of a relationship. We condition ourselves to a hurry that our soul is not prepared for," he explained. This sentiment was echoed by therapist Daniely Britto, who noted that society often demands individuals to move on quickly, even when they are emotionally shattered. "We live in a culture that requires us to be okay all the time. There is a social pressure to move forward quickly, even when we are broken inside. But grief does not respect that logic—it requires pause, reflection, and time," Britto commented.
Padre Fábio is currently undergoing a therapeutic-chemical treatment for his depression, which includes medication. However, he admitted to facing challenges with talk therapy, stating, "I don’t know if I have investigated myself too much throughout my life, and I have a feeling that I am no longer seeking answers; I prefer to live with the question." This introspection highlights the complexity of his emotional state and his ongoing journey towards healing.
As he continues to navigate his mental health challenges, Padre Fábio’s story resonates with many who have faced similar struggles. His willingness to share his experiences provides a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health issues, particularly in a society that often prioritizes speed over emotional well-being.
In conclusion, the conversation around mental health, grief, and the importance of taking time to heal is more relevant than ever. As more public figures like Padre Fábio de Melo share their journeys, it encourages open dialogue and fosters understanding, paving the way for others to seek help and find solace in their own experiences.
