This is an interesting question. I had one similar, about how maybe we stay crazy sometimes so that we can be absolved of responsibility in our lives? But on the reinforcement issue, it would seem to me that part of it might go like this. A lot of people with difficulties don't necessarily have a huge support network, and most troubles with mental illness are not those that can be shared with tons and tons of people. For those who aren't ill, it's not likely they'll greet disclosures of depression with the same level of empathy as a therapist would. When our feelings get bad, or just a little wobbly, there is really one place to take them where the person listening does not have any type of agenda with us-- the therapist. So any time we feel depressed or feelings go up and down, we think of that person that would be of most help and want to tell them.

That being said, I agree that without T, especially when depression is high, those feelings would leak out-- not dissipate. But this is a really good inquiry and one that deserves conversation with T. Part of it is asking how independent you are, and how, when or if, you might be ready to be on your own, and another part is the question "Will I always have this condition and be this needy." It's very deep thoughts and I thank you for sharing them.

Best,
KKins