Anonymous asked this question on 4/10/2000:

I am a 28 yr. old professional. I had not been in touch with my father for 17 years. My mother left him after he had brought a mistress into our home. I have suffered depression spells ever since. My father and I were very close before my mother left him. Recently, I contacted my father with the intention of trying to let go of the past. He is no longer with his mistress; however, they have a son. My father has a relationship with this son. I would like my father to be in my life; however I cannot tolerate to have a relationship with this son nor the mother. I'm angry because I lost my father for so long, and suffered; and now I'm expected (by my father) to accept this relationship. What can I do? , I am a 28 yr. old professional. I had not been in touch with my father for 17 years. My mother left him after he had brought a mistress into our home. I have suffered depression spells ever since. My father and I were very close before my mother left him. Recently, I contacted my father with the intention of trying to let go of the past. He is no longer with his mistress; however, they have a son. My father has a relationship with this son. I would like my father to be in my life; however I cannot tolerate to have a relationship with this son nor the mother. I'm angry because I lost my father for so long, and suffered; and now I'm expected (by my father) to accept this relationship. What can I do?

terri_xtian gave this response on 4/13/2000:

I'm not sure what the connection between your family and your depression is exactly, but I think if you work on one, you can help find healing for the other. I am a suicide survivor, and I know what depression feels like. I also know how it feels to have my parents break up, my mother remarry and have children with my stepfather. As a Christian aware of the need for healing in my life, I chose to forgive my family for the hurts in my life, and to embrace them with Christian love. Have you considered turning to Jesus to learn to forgive your family? My emotions are much better, and my relationship to my family, has been much better from choosing to follow Christ. How else can a person overcome hate, depression, unforgiveness,and anger? I suggest getting Christian counseling, it's very good, and you may not even need any medications using it. Terri

The average rating for this answer is 2.

Anonymous rated this answer a 2.