A Western Australian woman’s suicidal thoughts disappear after reading Zhuan Falun, Falun Dafa’s main book
Van Pham lives in Western Australia and learned about Falun Gong six years ago. When you see her cheerful smile, it’s hard to believe she used to suffer from chronic depression and terrible health. Van credits this miraculous turnaround in her life to the main book of Falun Dafa, Zhuan Falun. She shared her story with us.
*Please note, this story touches upon suicidal thoughts which may be distressing to some readers.
Poor health in childhood
I was born in Vietnam and was a sickly child. I often suffered from headaches, stiff muscles, and poor blood circulation. I moved slowly, because whenever I tried to do anything at normal speed, I felt dizzy and tired and had to lie down.
My parents took me to see many doctors, who said I needed better nutrition. But taking nutritional supplements didn’t help, other than making me gain weight. I tried acupuncture and therapeutic massage, but that didn’t help either. I tried exercising, but I was exhausted after 15 minutes.
It wasn’t long before I lost hope and stopped seeking treatment. Even though I was only a child, I thought about ending my life.
Van Pham attends a Christmas event in Ellenbrook, Perth, in December 2023
Depression and despair, suicidal thoughts
Somehow, I made it to adulthood, got married and had a baby boy. But my health deteriorated further and I became so depressed that I couldn’t take care of my son. I slept up to 22 hours a day – but my sleep was full of endless nightmares. Even when I was awake, I felt too exhausted to do anything. I often had to sit for a couple of hours before I slowly became aware of my surroundings. My son had to be taken care of by someone else. I felt useless and often thought of committing suicide. Whenever my husband and I had any disagreement, the first thing I thought about was ending my life.
I attempted suicide several times. Medicine couldn’t help me, I couldn’t work, and I couldn’t do anything for my family. All I could do was sleep. When I woke up, I would eat a few crackers and drink some milk, before falling sleep again. My son had to bring me the milk and crackers, because I didn’t have enough strength to stand or walk. My body always felt unbalanced. My husband and son had to do all the housework. I wanted to end my life so that they wouldn’t have to take care of me. I refused to see anyone and locked myself in my room, closed the curtains and was afraid of any sound. I felt that every day was a complete waste of life.
Van (right) with local residents of Perth at a Rotary Club event on November 11, 2023
Reborn after learning Falun Dafa and my nightmares disappear!
I went back to Vietnam in early 2017 to visit my family. My brother was very worried about me, but instead of wanting me to try different medical treatments, he told me about Falun Dafa and gave me the book Zhuan Falun. My brother said he had been practising Falun Dafa for three years and had seen positive changes in his health and life.
I didn’t want to read anything because it made me dizzy, but I respected my brother so I took the book. When I got back to Australia, I put it away in a drawer. When my brother called and asked if I’d read it, I admitted I hadn’t. He really believed that reading the book and doing the Falun Dafa exercises were the only way to restore my health, and he kept encouraging me to read it.
Six months later, I finally decided to read the book – but after a few pages, I fell asleep. The next day, I was able to read a few more pages. At first, I had no idea what the book was talking about. But by the time I finished reading it, I realised that it was a book that teaches you how to cultivate your mind, body and spirit to a high level. So, I read it again and this time I decided to really focus as I read.
I found it hard to read sitting up, so I joined an online Fa study group, hoping it would stop me from falling asleep. It worked, and it helped me get to know other Falun Dafa practitioners and stay in touch with them.
It seemed amazing, but after I read for a few days, my nightmares disappeared! I felt relaxed and clear-minded when I woke up. The numbness in my body gradually left, my tense muscles relaxed and my headaches disappeared. Slowly but surely, I started taking care of myself without any help. I was able to start doing some housework.
After reading Zhuan Falun, my life suddenly had meaning and I no longer thought about committing suicide. My son was so happy to see the changes in me and is very supportive of my cultivation. I now have a closer, warmer relationship with my family. I’m able to go to Falun Dafa activities, meet new friends and tell people how great Falun Dafa is!
~~~
Falun Dafa volunteers are currently holding free online classes where you can learn the exercises from the comfort of your own home. Register for a free Falun Dafa online exercise class here or for the Falun Dafa 9-Day Lecture Series here.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FREE ONLINE FALUN DAFA CLASS HERE
‘Learn Falun Gong—Australia & New Zealand’ is a website run by Australian & New Zealand Falun Dafa volunteers for the benefit of the general public. Falun Dafa is always taught free of charge.
Disclaimer: Individual results may vary. Information is provided as a guide only, and does not take the place of professional or medical advice.