Tom,

I think you hit on so many important points. I find it more impactful when people share what they went through and lessons learned as opposed to a more pedagogical approach — especially when they’re not experts and they haven’t practiced what they preached to people beyond themselves. I think there’s much to be learned if people would just plainly tell their stories instead of pretending they have all the answers.

Whenever I write something instructional, it always comes from a place of experience. I write about marketing and freelancing because my approaches have worked for people and companies for years. I can’t imagine telling people how to live their life if I only have my life as a reference point. So, that’s when I write personal essays.

I do, however, appreciate work from people who are professionals — researchers, field practitioners, people who have done the work, repeatedly, over time, with others.

Otherwise, it feels slapdash. Why should I take the advice of someone who tells me how to be “mentally strong,” when they don’t even fundamentally understand or approach mental illness as part of the discussion.

Sorry, I could go on. But thank you for reading and please keep writing!!