In a very general sense, the best thing that happened to me was taking the 'crippling' part out of 'crippling depression.' I'm still pretty convinced I won't live to see my 40's, but it no longer stops me from doing things. I can point to my grades from fall semester (All 4.0 except for one 3.5). I can point to my new passion for certain kinds of physical activity (Kayaking, the occasional run that feels good instead of terrible). I could talk about my independent study starting in 2 weeks that could potentially get me published on the same paper as a PhD with decades of field work, or the job I may get after I graduate in May that would secure my professional future in no uncertain terms. I don't know if things actually do get better, but they can definitely look that way.
I hope things continue to be good. You sound like an amazing person.