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> One thing I wish someone had told me in my mental health journey - If you don’t connect with the first (or second, or third) therapist you meet with, fire them and look for a new one.

100% this. I was thankful when someone gave me this advice and finally found a therapist that's been such a huge help in dealing with depression. If you (swat535, or anyone) need someone to talk to please hit me up, my email is in my profile.

I wish we could drop the word 'vulnerable'; that's what a gazelle is before a lion rips its head off.

The OP was open and honest rather than vulnerable. If we want equality and open dialogue, we have to be careful to make our language inclusive. 'Vulnerable' is associated with being weak for some people and isn't an inclusive word.

I don't consider myself vulnerable when I share something close to my heart. I would never share anything in a space where being 'vulnerable' was encouraged.

Open and honest.. not vulerable.

I think it's a very constructive word.

Because in this world; very often, making yourself emotionally vulnerable DOES expose one to some pretty horrible abuse, if you do it in the wrong setting. And it often ends up making the problem worse, prolonging or even preventing recovery.

We'd really like to live in a world where people are not driven to attack each other when they are down. But unfortunately, that's not the world we live in, and I think people need to be pretty vigilant when they're going through something like this and looking for help. TBH I find that anonymous internet forums are very useful places for this sort of thing, (because they're free, and convenient) - but on the other hand, there are some really bad predators out there who are constantly on the lookout for a gazelle to eat.

You can be closed and still be emotionally vulnerable. Openness is not vulnerability. In fact, if you're open, you've either processed, you might be very stable/strong, or you have people around you to be open with - a safety net.

So yes, let's drop the "vulnerability" word.

This is a good point, when I talk about my suicide attempt I don't feel vulnerable, I feel it comes from a position of strength. Honesty does not have to come from vulnerability, it can come from a position of strength but a commitment to a moral duty to help others.

I second this. A therapist can help _A LOT_. I spent 3 years in therapy and my life changed to the better.