Metaphors are good for discovering what's in your unconcious thoughts, and which give us great insight into oursleves. Dreams are a perfect example of this too.

But I understand what you mean about using words for clear and direct thoughts.
"I'm at the end of my rope!"
is quite different from
"I feel so alone again and I wonder how I can go on this way!"
or
"My best friend hurt my feelings and I think the friendship might be over!"

Thanks for a great post!