?I felt hopeless, until I picked up the phone and called a friend. Talking really helped,? said twenty-two-year-old Jennie.

It took a big heartbreak for Jennie to realize the importance of talk therapy.

While the mention of talk therapy gives a lot of people visions of a shrink and a couch, the truth is, talking to your friends and loved ones can be just as good - or maybe even better, since you aren?t spilling your guts to a stranger.

Thehealthcenter.info describes talk therapy as ?simply talking about what is bothering you. Talk therapy can be practiced with a friend or loved one, a family member, or a therapist. A person with a different perspective on your situation can help you decide how to fix the problems you are having, and how to deal with the things you can?t fix. Through discussion, you can find ways to handle your problems so that the same issues won?t continually disrupt your life.?

Salynn Boyles of WebMD.com wrote that ?talk therapy is sometimes best for depression,? citing a study that showed drugs aren?t the only effective treatment in the battle against depression.

But depression shouldn?t be the only reason for talking. Keeping your communication lines open with friends and family is healthy. According to Mentalhealth.org.uk, ?Talking is an important part of our relationships. It can strengthen your ties with other people and help you stay in good mental health. And being listened to helps you feel that other people care about you and what you have to say.?

So go ahead and talk. Talk to your mom about the salon you want to take her to. Talk to your dad about the great meal he cooked. Talk to your brother about a really funny YouTube video. Tell your cousin about that new guy you?re going out with. Tell your old friend about another old friend?s Facebook update. Tell a new friend stories from your childhood. Tell your boyfriend about the crazy dream you had last night.

However, there is also such a thing as talking too much. Remember, talking is good - but so is listening.