The Therapeutic Value of Vulnerability: A Psychiatrist’s Perspective on “We Have all Been Through a Lot”

TO THE EDITOR: I am a psychiatrist from Taiwan who specializes in treating patients with depression and suicidal tendencies. I recently read “We Have All Been Through a Lot: Use of Vulnerability and Self as a Healing Bridge,” which appeared in the March issue (1), and I found it to be a truly insightful and thought-provoking piece.

As a psychiatrist, I am all too familiar with the difficulties that my patients face with emotional vulnerability and the need for self-expression. In my experience, the cultural and societal stigmas that surround mental health can often challenge patients to be open about their feelings and seek the help that they need. This is why I found Dr. Roston’s emphasis on the therapeutic value of vulnerability to be particularly compelling.

Dr. Roston argues that vulnerability can serve as a healing bridge that helps individuals develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and emotional growth. By encouraging patients to embrace their emotions, rather than suppress them, we can create a more supportive and empathetic space for them to work through their challenges. As someone who works with patients dealing with depression and suicide, I have seen firsthand how important this kind of approach can be.

Overall, I would like to express my appreciation for this Personal Account and its contribution to the field of psychiatry and mental health. It is my hope that more clinicians will take note of the power of vulnerability and incorporate this approach into their own practice. By doing so, we can help our patients overcome their emotional challenges and move toward a more fulfilling and satisfying life.