From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Francesca Reicherter on Suicide Survival, Youth Advocacy, and Redefining Mental Health | Ep. 73

Send us a text

Welcome to Episode 73 of the ANEW Insight Podcast with your host, Dr. Supatra Tovar—licensed clinical psychologist, registered dietitian, fitness expert, and bestselling author of Deprogram Diet Culture. In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Dr. Tovar is joined by mental health advocate, author, and speaker Francesca Reicherter, founder of the nonprofit Inspiring My Generation and host of the podcast Normalize the Conversation.

At just 12 years old, Francesca launched a blog to cope with what she called “big emotions.” By 20, she had survived multiple suicide attempts, devastating personal losses, and a hospitalization that opened her eyes to systemic flaws in the mental health system. Instead of staying silent, Francesca transformed her pain into purpose by building tools, programs, and resources that now reach thousands of people in crisis.

In this episode, Francesca shares her unfiltered journey from childhood trauma to adult advocacy, including:

• The early signs of mental health struggles often dismissed in kids
• The suicide of her uncle and tragic loss of her grandfather
• Her own hospitalization and the eye-opening realities of the mental health care system
• How neurofeedback therapy and psychotherapy helped her begin to heal
• Creating and sending over 21,000 hand-colored encouragement cards to psych wards across the country

Dr. Tovar and Francesca also explore the crucial need for early mental health intervention, insurance parity, and mental health education in schools. Listeners will learn about Francesca’s transformative workbooks like You Are Not Alone, I Am, and Self-Care, designed to provide practical, age-appropriate coping tools.

Other highlights include:

• How to create meaningful conversations around mental health with friends and family
• The difference between toxic positivity and realistic emotional validation
• Navigating social media with conscious intent to protect your mental health
• The power of creative tools like “Encourage Me” notebooks and self-care boxes
• Why healing isn’t about thinking positive—but thinking expansively

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that you are never truly alone. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, therapist, teen, or survivor, Francesca’s story will inspire you to listen more deeply, speak more honestly, and hold space for those who are silently struggling.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📘 Connect with Francesca Reicherter: Website: https://www.inspiringmygeneration.org/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1vUZvdT1dMbN4E9v8Pfq0X Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalize.the.conversation/ Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Francesca-Reicherter/author/B0929KK99F

Ready to heal your relationship with food and body? Visit anew-insight.com and take Dr. Tovar’s sig

Thank you for joining us on this journey to wellness. Remember, the insights and advice shared on the ANEW Body Insight Podcast are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine. To learn more about the podcast and stay updated on new episodes, visit ANEW Body Insight Podcast at anew-insight.com. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit @my.anew.insight. Follow us on social media at @my.anew.insight on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads for more updates and insights. Thank you for tuning in! Stay connected with us for more empowering stories and expert guidance. Until next time, stay well and keep evolving with ANEW Body Insight!