Discover the transformative journey of Tree Franklyn, a best-selling author and founder of the Empathic Awakening Academy, as she candidly recounts her battle with mental health and the inspiration behind her poignant letter, "Mom, I Want to Kill Myself." Tree's story is one of resilience and humor, often finding solace in nature despite her amusing struggle with allergies. Together, we challenge the harmful "suck it up" mentality and reflect on how societal attitudes can impact personal well-being.

Tree opens up about the silent shadows that shaped her upbringing, with her father's PTSD from the Vietnam War and her mother's experiences as an orphan in Vietnam coloring their family dynamics. Despite growing up in an environment where mental health was a taboo topic, Tree's determination to advocate for mental health blossomed through her personal blog. Her message is clear: even in the darkest moments, there is a path to healing and a future filled with light.

Through insights inspired by psychologist Carl Rogers and her own experiences, Tree emphasizes the incredible power of empathy and active listening. Her heartfelt essay on the Recovery Diaries site continues to be a beacon of hope for those grappling with suicidal thoughts. As we explore Tree's journey from despair to happiness, we extend an invitation to stay engaged with our content and join us in supporting mental health awareness.

https://treefranklyn.com/

Conversations like the ones on this podcast can sometimes be hard, but they're always necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider visiting www.wannatalkaboutit.com. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please call, text, or chat 988.

https://oc87recoverydiaries.org/