I suspect that's because they have more to overcome.

I've heard studies that show left-handed people are typically smarter than right-handed people. I believe it's because this world is typically designed for the right-handed people, and the left-handed people have to mentally adapt to the scissors, to the cars, etc, etc.

Similarly with physical handicaps. A person who is stuck in a wheel-chair with non-functional legs will typically develop better upper-body strength to move the wheel-chair. Blind people will pay closer attention to their environment because they have to.

And I suspect you have had to adapt a lot in your life, and you are stronger for it.
I'm glad you shared your story. I believe our society in general is too quick to dismiss mental health issues. I can't help but wonder how many undiagnosed mentally ill people are walking around that could get help.
If we have a cold, we can pick up a decongestant and a cough suppressant, along with something to help us sleep.
If a loved one dies and the person becomes mentally stressed because of it, people often don't know how to react. An eventual failure to bounce back may prompt people to tell the grieving to snap out of it.

Try and compare a societal reaction to telling the boss that you need to take time off for a weekly therapy session from a psychiatrist, and a weekly therapy session from a physical therapist.

Congrats on your recovery NightRider.