This is one reason why mental illness is so stigmatized. Why so many people have to "hide" their diagnosis, because people similar to you have used their illness to excuse their behaviors.

It does not help you and it does not help others. People look at you in a negative light, especially if you consistently excuse your negative behaviors with your mental illness.

Think of all the jokes and lack of understanding regarding mental illness compared to physical illness. Nobody kids about heart disease, but many people joke about borderlines, bipolars, etc.