I'm torn about this argument, because... our world is built on excuses, and most of them are not mental heath related.... But I see it as an open question, what you're raising. I agree though it taints the whole idea of "struggling against" issues if these struggles are not based on some kind of ultimate truthfulness and accountability.

So do people use mental health issues to dodge responsibility? My guess would be sometimes or rarely.

Ultimately, we have to make our own choices and gather our own information. Whether our problems are the result of chemicals, personality, or simple misinformation is unfortunately a very personal call to make. But sympathy and the benefit of a doubt are good in themselves. I've decided to make these part of my values and path to self improvement (at least until something convinces me they don't work). I hope that makes sense!!!