The Loss of a Friend Led to Mental Health Struggles, but Faith in God Brought Healing.

In the midst of last year, a dear friend chose to depart from this world, leaving me shattered. It marked my first encounter with processing the death of a loved one as an “adult.” The concept baffled me, plunging me into a relentless cycle of grief, guilt, shame, regret, and anger.

For six months, recurring dreams of similar tragedies invaded my sleep, turning rest into an elusive sanctuary. One day, in the throes of an episode, my brother’s reassuring phone call became a lifeline, promising support despite the odds. Oscillating between the comfort of grief and God, my brother urged me to embrace prayer and faith as a means of liberation.

Despite this encouragement, immediate transformation proved elusive. It took three more months for me to heed my brother’s advice and reintegrate into the supportive community of faith. One day, an unexpected urge led me to listen to online sermons from my home church on Spotify. Pastor Gary’s message, “It’s OK not to be OK,” resonated deeply, emphasizing key principles:

1. Revere Christ as Lord

2. Recall the promises of God

3. Respond in the opposite spirit

4. Remember the ultimate prize

The sermon prompted a shift in perspective—I realized my fixation on what I could have done for my friend obscured God’s ongoing work in my life. Despite moments tempting me towards suicide, divine intervention prevented me, signaling that God’s plan for me persisted.

Motivated by the sermon, I resolved to seek support from the Christian community, specifically reaching out to Bethesda Care Services for counseling and assistance from their dedicated social workers, C&K. This community accompanied me through the journey, playing a pivotal role in repairing my faith and the relationships with people around me. Their guidance reopened my eyes to the love of God, aiding me in reconciling with the emotional turmoil I had been grappling with.

By the end of the year, I made a firm commitment to seize control of my life, casting aside self-pity. Actively pushing myself to socialize and hitting the gym became my catalyst for self-improvement. Even during workouts, I tuned into Christian podcasts, reinforcing God’s faithfulness and reaffirming the purpose behind my journey of self-betterment.

As of May this year, my battle with depression and the devil’s lies has officially concluded, marking a triumphant chapter in my life.

We hope that Titus’s story has inspired you to keep going. If you have a story to share, share it here!