Battling depression and suicidal thoughts

“I was raised by my grandmother in Limpopo. She had to support four children on her own. We suffered greatly. We had no clothes and often went through the day without food.

My parents lived with my sister in Johannesburg. I did not understand why I was the one who had to live with my grandmother. I felt rejected and unwanted. That made me angry. At school, I started bullying my peers because I felt like an outcast.

I later moved to Johannesburg and I started comparing myself to my sister. She was not struggling as I did. She attended a private school while I was in a public school.

I plunged into depression and could not sleep at night. If I managed to sleep, I had nightmares. I contemplated suicide because I felt unworthy. On the day that I had planned to commit suicide, my mother invited me to attend services in the Universal Church. After I attended the service, the pastor counselled me and advised me to forgive my parents and to let go of the anger I had carried for a long time.

I faithfully participated in the chains of prayers on Wednesdays and Fridays for my deliverance from depression, suicidal thoughts and anger.

My life changed entirely. I am free from depression and suicidal thoughts. I am no longer an angry person and I forgave my parents. I sleep peacefully. I completed my studies. I do not feel rejected or unwanted because God accepted me as I was,” said Emmanuel.