p.s. I also feel that while your story was just a story (and a really well-written one) to many readers, it hit a nerve for a few because that nerve was raw and exposed like a tooth needing proper dental care. I'm not saying mental health issues are the same as tooth decay and bad gums. Analogies are analogies. My point is that those readers who were affected by your story were reminded of the care they need(ed) and you were, to them, "third-party" (distant) enough to be able to protest. For example, I could talk about family trauma with a friend or even a stranger much easier than with a family member--maybe it's just me--because I know that my parents would get so upset and furious I even brought it up.

Another point is that after it touched an open wound in those hurt readers, it must have brought back painful memories that they are still trying to process. Their "ouch" when they read it was just a reaction. It's NOT about you.

I wonder if that makes sense. In conclusion, your story was a success because you got many people to engage and interact. Isn't that what Medium is all about, really? (Apologies for such a long comment and reaction to others' reactions. lol)