Sorry to hear you were triggered

I agree that he meant to be nice. He obviously admires you as much as you admire him, which is very sweet. But I can see how his wording was very triggering.

You aren't necessarily "sicker" than everyone else. Some people may be hiding things that they find triggering, either for themselves or for others, hence they may keep quiet. Also, you may be more open about your struggles than the others in the group are. I know I would be the kind of person to hide things from others in a support group.

I don't have any advice on the teacher thing, but are you internalizing these feelings?