I have never really thought about using comparisons between physical illness and mental illness. I also don't believe that either of them are necessarily 'caused' by 'poor choices', which sometimes happens when people (especially people ignorant of certain mental and/or physical health issues) make assessments or assumptions of situations they don't understand. I can see why you made that connection, because a lot of people don't understand that mental illness - or whatever you want to call it, because everyone thinks of it or experiences it differently - is not something that happens due to lack of care or attention, or lack of diligence. Just as healing isn't always possible for some people. It's different for everyone. I know many people who live with depression. Yes, they live with it. The find ways to manage it. Sometimes it's manageable. Sometimes it's not. And I know still others who have an episode of depression and then are able to heal from it and move on, and not experience it again. And then there's all sorts of other things in between.
I avoid discussing mental or physical health with people who believe that illness is a result of sin, or demonic possession, or something along those lines. The last time I was in psychosis I believed some people who told me that, and my life became a living hell for the next four months. I know they meant their best. I just had no filters at the time, because I couldn't tell truth from reality. All I know is how I relate to my own experience, and that I don't personally know if I'll ever be free of it or if it's something I'll just have to learn to live with, because I haven't lived my whole life yet. I don't have those answers. I know that I'm doing everything in my power to live a life of quality and meaning, and I don't automatically trust everything the doctors tell me (especially when it comes to meds), but I do take everything into account because there's useful information in everything.
In summary, I be careful in making comparisons of any kind, because I have learned that unless I have had a certain experience, I don't feel I'm in any position to go there. I have seen others (on here and in life) talk about their experiences with physical and mental health issues, and while I can sympathize, or support, I cannot understand, because I don't have that experience. I can say, "I know a person who's had this experience, and what s/he has told me is..." if it has the power to help someone. But ultimately, if I'm talking about something I have no experience with, I'm really just reciprocating the same sort of energy and action as the person who 'doesn't get it' and makes ignorant and/or hurtful comments in the first place, whether or not I'm intending to.
Hope some of this is helpful. Just my two cents.