Dear Bubonic,

The behaviour you have pointed out not only applies to mental illnesses / conditions but in my experience, people abuse the physical injuries and conditions as well. The motives are various and equally condemnable. Most of the times, it is an attempt to seek attention from others; At other times, it is a timid attempt at glory to prove that they achieved something despite the physical or mental challenge they had, so their accomplishments are bigger and better in that way. In other cases, people blame their conditions for not being able to do something, just to cover up their failures.

It is difficult to make such people realise what they are doing. At the end of the day, they do not get anything but they damage the trust and general courtesy amongst other people. They make others more sceptical and cautious whilst dealing with people who have physical or mental conditions and as a result, people who genuinely deserve a concession or more appreciation for failing or achieving something, do not get these or get these with a delay.