TAMPA, Fla. — A singer who is also a new author hopes to help people focus on their mental health in the new year.

Tanya LaReese Jackson Green is doing that by sharing her personal journey of working through trauma.

The 53-year-old, who is a daughter of a pastor, writes about faith, therapy and healing in her new book titled, Your Mental Health is the Most Important Thing.

“This book was my therapy,” said Green. “It helped me get through all the stuff that I was going through, and if I didn’t write this book, I’m telling you I don’t think I would have been here.”

Green admits it was both terrifying and liberating to let her guard down and speak up. She hopes sharing her story inspires others to reach out to get the help they need.

“In finding my voice, I had also unearthed the courage to confront the uncomfortable truths that had long lingered in the shadows,” Green said.

She says she realized prioritizing mental health was essential.

“I had so many traumas in my life that I never really dealt with, and the breaking point came with some family issues,” said Green. “My dad died when I was 20 years old and my mother died when I was 2.”

Green hopes speaking out about her personal trauma helps others speak up.

“My writing is to let people know I’ve been through a hard time, I’ve been through depression, I’ve been through suicide attempt and by the grace of God and by the Grace of God, I’m here and I want people to read my story,” she said.

She shares her story with hopes of helping others focus on their mental health.

“After all I’ve been through, I got the help I needed. I prayed. God has protected me and I’m grateful,” said Green, who is going into the new year giving hope to heal.

She is completing a degree in Christian Studies with plans of becoming a spiritual mental health advisor.