By reading what you posted, I realised that I had gone through the same situation but had kept it under the surface. When I try to think about it, my mind refuses to focus and appears to run away frantically trying to shut its eyes.
Then I faced it, grabbed the bull by the horns and went through a lot of pain to sort out my "life values" once again.
I learnt more about myself and those around me than I ever thought I would be able to, it was harder than anything else in my life, but I feel now I am much, much stronger than a cliche, phrase or passing comment from a stranger. I don't need to prop myself up anymore and pretend, such that I can finally be myself.
You will be stronger than you ever thought you could be, but face the beast and win that battle first! Nothing else matters more...