Battling inferiority complexes

Thembalethu’s depression started when she was placed in a boarding school. She battled inferiority complexes and that made her feel like an outcast amongst her peers.

“I was depressed because of insecurities and low self-esteem. I felt lonely and sad. I often cried myself to sleep at night. I considered myself a disappointment and I tried very hard to fit in. I remember once at school, I was drinking alcohol with my friends and the matron found us. She wanted to report us to the principal and face a hearing.

Every time when I visited my family, I fought with them because I was very rude. I fought with my mother and sister. My mother also started having chest pains and I blamed myself because I thought I was the cause. I contemplated suicide. I was tired of my life. I cut myself and once overdosed on tablets, but it did not work.

I was already attending services in the Universal Church, but I was not committed to God. When I realised that my life was a mess, I decided that it was time for me to change. I attended the chains of prayers for my deliverance and I also spoke to an assistant in the church who advised me to ask for forgiveness from those I had wronged. I asked my mother and sister to forgive me for the pain that I caused them.

I also let go of my bad friends and although things started changing, I still felt a void inside. I was then told that the Holy Spirit could fill my void. The 21-day Fast of Daniel was introduced. I dedicated myself and attended the Wednesday and Sunday services for my spiritual development. I read the Bible and meditated on it. I was baptised with the Holy Spirit.

From then, my character changed. I am not insecure and I do not have low self-esteem. I am not depressed or battling an inferiority complex. I have peace. I have a good relationship with my family. I am confident and I do not feel sad or lonely or void because I have the presence of the living God inside me,” said Thembalethu.