#!/usr/bin/perl
my $text;
while (my $line = <DATA>){
    $line =~ s/\\/<br>/;
    $text .= $line;
}
$text =~ s[<br>\s*<\/w*>][<\/w*>]s;
print $text;

__DATA__
<p>
This affected me deeply because I was being treated for depression the
+n.
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>
[download]

Why does the script doesn't work. The expected output should be something similar as below

<p>
<br>This affected me deeply because I was being treated for depression
+ then.
I felt she was replacing me as mother and grandmother.<br>
This scenario occurred as often as two to three times a week.<br>
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.<br/>
</p>
[download]