You'd think that, but that's part of the point and magic, and it does not necessarily add up to that point of "leave us both more stressed than ever".

It still adds up to increasing connection, not decreasing it. The caveat is that the whole leaving room for the other person too is vital, it can't be overwhelmingly one sided, good or ill.

The human condition includes depressive shit too, and no one is unique in capacity for suffering, only details. That's still something to bond over.

People often vent that way. They need to hear they're not alone in this shit - it makes them feel better.

Because people with problems in common often have solutions in common and then only one of you needs to have the answer. The whole person-climbs-down-into-the-hole-with-you story.