You don't need a therapist to process what you're feeling out loud. Sometimes a stranger who listens is exactly what you need.
Sharing a little is enough. 'I've been having a rough time lately' opens the door without requiring you to walk through it all at once.
Before you dive into advice or solutions, ask: 'Do you want to vent, or do you want help thinking it through?' It changes everything.
Presence matters more than solutions. 'That sounds really hard' from someone who genuinely means it can do more than ten perfect suggestions.
There's something about putting feelings into words — even in a chat box — that lightens them. Don't wait until you feel ready.