LOOKING FOR ANSWER

I have thoughts of ending my life. Where can I find help?
First of all, let us impress upon you the fact that you are important in the sight of God. He says, "You are precious to me ... and I love you."

LOOKING FOR ANSWER

How can I get over my discouragement and bitterness because of a physical disability?
There are certainly no easy answers to such problems. However, you can be sure that God, in His ultimate purpose, desires to bring about in you the greatest good ...

MY ANSWER

Is it wrong for someone with a strong faith in God to take pills for depression?
Billy Graham writes, "Depression can be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. When this is the case, it often can be treated with medication."

MY ANSWER

My doctor wants me to take medication for depression. Hasn't God promised to heal us if we have enough faith?
Depression, can be caused by many different things—and the first step in dealing with it is to find out the specific cause. Only then can it be treated properly.

MY ANSWER

My husband has been almost like a different person in recent months, with wide swings in mood. What can I do?
Billy Graham writes, "I am not a psychologist, of course—but your husband is clearly showing signs of a serious emotional or mental illness that needs treatment."

MY ANSWER

Is suicide the unpardonable sin?
Billy Graham writes, "Suicide is always a tragedy—but in itself it is not the unpardonable sin. The only sin God cannot pardon is the sin of rejecting Him."

MY ANSWER

I've been unemployed for over a year, and I've given up even looking for a job. How can I get out of this pit?
Billy Graham writes, "Unemployment often not only affects people economically, but also emotionally and spiritually. ... The most important thing I can tell you is that God knows your situation and He cares for you and has a plan for your future."

MY ANSWER

I worry about death a lot, but most of my friends don't seem to even think about it. Is something wrong with me?
Billy Graham writes, "It might not be 'cool' to think about death, but it is realistic. It's no accident that the world's greatest literature and philosophy deal with the fact that some day our lives will come to an end."

MY ANSWER

I've lost two husbands, and now the man I hoped to marry has backed out. Why can't I find happiness?
Billy Graham writes, "I wish I could give you a logical reason for what has happened to you—but to be honest, I can't. I can tell you this: God knows what you're going through, and He understands your disappointment and hurt."

MY ANSWER

Every time things are going well and I think maybe God loves me, something reminds me of my past.
Billy Graham writes, "The key is to stop trying to convince yourself that God loves you—and accept the fact that He actually does! Perhaps the most important thing I can say to you is this: God loves you just as you are."

MY ANSWER

I've struggled with depression since I was a teenager. I've prayed and prayed, but God doesn't seem to care. What have I done to deserve this?
Billy Graham writes, "The most important truth I can tell you is that God knows your situation, and He does care, because you are very valuable to Him. If He didn't love you, would He want you to spend all eternity with Him? And yet He does."

MY ANSWER

Our son's wife left him about a year ago. He came to live with us, but he doesn't show any signs moving on with his life. How should we deal with him?
Billy Graham writes, "The breakup of a marriage is almost always very painful to at least one partner, and you did the right thing by providing a shelter for your son."

MY ANSWER

My parents always made it clear that they didn't really want me. Can God somehow get me out of my feelings of depression? Does He really care?
Billy Graham writes, "Yes, God does care very deeply about you, and He doesn't want you to spend the rest of your life believing something about yourself that isn't true."

MY ANSWER

Sometimes I feel so depressed in the morning that I can hardly get up. What should I do?
Billy Graham writes, "Even when the days seem dark for you, I want to assure you that God cares about you and wants what is best for you."

MY ANSWER

Last week, I was allowed to go home from the state mental hospital, after I got depressed and tried to commit suicide. How do I know I won't slide back into this again?
Billy Graham writes, "Don't focus on what might happen to you (but probably won't); focus instead on what God has already done in your life, and what He wants to do for you in the future."

MY ANSWER

My divorce finally went through, and all my friends say I ought to be delighted since my ex-husband was very abusive and irresponsible. Instead, I find myself very depressed.
Billy Graham writes, "Divorce has sometimes been compared to the death of someone who's been close to us—and with good reason."

MY ANSWER

My wife has lost interest in everything. Some mornings, she can't even get out of bed. What should I do?
Billy Graham writes, "I am not a doctor, of course, but I strongly urge you to bring this problem to the attention of your doctor. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to do this ..."

MY ANSWER

My husband is unemployed and getting more and more depressed. What can I do to get him off the couch?
Billy Graham writes, "One of the most important things you can do to help your husband is to encourage him and let him know you have confidence in him."

MY ANSWER

How can I be sure I won't become suicidal again? Will God help me?
Billy Graham writes, "Yes, God will help you as you turn to Him and discover what it means to walk with Him every day."

MY ANSWER

Is there anything I can do to make up for all my lost years? I wish I hadn't lived the way I did. It wasn't worth it.
Billy Graham writes, "The past can't be changed, much as you might wish it could. But listen: The past can be forgiven, and God can give you hope for the future!"