Dear Pastor,

I was listening to your show one night when two young women called and said they were sexually molested. I have experienced what they have gone through. I am 19 years old now. I was eight when I was molested by my cousin. I have grown with so much hatred and anger in my heart. I am withdrawn, depressed and suffer from high blood pressure. I have had lots of suicidal thoughts now and then. My interest level is low. It is like the world is on my shoulder. I am stressed. The only thing left for me to do is take my own life.

I have also lost my mother. It is not easy to get over a person who has been helping you everyday. Because of the lost of my mother, I have been unable to concentrate in school. All I think about is my past. I tried to put it behind me but I cannot. I just cannot.

L.

Dear L.,

I want to encourage you to find a family counsellor who would empathise with you and on whom you can call on for help at any time, whether it is night or day. You need support, especially when you feel stressed and depressed and suicidal thoughts come to your mind. Perhaps you do not trust men anymore. Therefore, you may prefer to speak to a female counsellor or psychologist who will empathise with you and teach you how to cope, day by day, and win the battle over depression and suicidal thoughts.

I would also like to encourage you to go to church, read your Bible every day and fellowship with young people in your age group. Tell yourself every day that you know God is not dead, you will do well in school and the profession that you have chosen.

Make sure you check your pressure as often as possible and follow the advice of your doctor.

Pastor