my $text;
while (my $line = <DATA>){
    $line =~ s/\\/<br>/;
    $text .= $line;
}
$text =~ s[<br>\s*</p>][</p>]s;
print $text;

__DATA__
<p>
This affected me deeply because I was being treated for depression then.
I felt she was replacing me as mother and grandmother.\
This scenario occurred as often as two to three times a week.\
Somehow, all of those present seemed to think I should be her "friend."
Shouldn't I be allowed to choose whom I want to associate with?
Now, add the fact that my sister and her husband are still
very attached to my ex, as they should be.\
</p>