“I spent many nights unable to sleep, and I had lost all interest in work.” Diwakar Thapa, who toiled tirelessly, working in Delhi, was diagnosed with depression after being hospitalized for severe insomnia. Work had become an insurmountable challenge, and his once-passionate interest waned into indifference. He was prescribed mediation to help with depression and insomnia.
However, the pills were no permanent solution. Diwakar’s life spiraled further into despair, with even the thought of suicide casting its ominous shadow. The darkness of depression seemed endless, echoing with negative thoughts that whispered defeat. “Words can’t describe the darkness of depression. It was just such a hopeless feeling,” he said.
He decided to move to Darjeeling; back to his family, who poured their hearts into helping him step out of the pit of this nasty disease. No stone was left unturned. Diwakar’s wife dedicated herself to her husband’s treatment – be it financial, physical, or mental investments. To her despair, nothing worked. She had friends who had lost their husbands to the clutches of depression and she began to prepare herself to raise their daughter by herself.
Then, hope emerged from an unexpected place. Diwakar encountered a pastor who came to pray for him, sharing the gospel. In that moment, he found faith in Christ. Soon, testimonies of God’s miracles and the unwavering support of pastors and fellow believers surrounded him. With newfound faith, Diwakar realized that taking a leap of faith in Christ brought salvation and healing. He delved into the word of God, and through dreams and visions, he heard His divine voice. The scripture Psalm 147:3 ‘He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds’ reminded him not to forget his love for God, and in submitting himself to His divine will, he found solace.
Diwakar’s mental health journey mirrored the refining of gold in the furnace. His family, too, faced trials, but their faith transformed their lives and gave them hope.
