Hello ExhaustedMom: Thank you for sharing your experience. I don't know if depression can make a person stronger. (In my case my struggles with depression & anxiety, among other things, have chipped away at me to the point where sometimes it seems there's not a lot left.) I participated in a partial hospital program years ago. And one thing I recall them saying is: "Don't should on yourself." In other words, don't burden yourself with unnecessary expectations. In line with that, I simply strive to accept where I'm at... with lovingkindness & compassion. I suppose that is perhaps one aspect of radical acceptance.