Everyone here has valid points. Many valid points which I would've never thought about.

One thing for sure is that I am happy to be mentally ill in 2017, and not mentally ill in 1917, or 1817.

Why? Because during those times, mental illness was not understood as much as it is today. Back in the old days, the solution to mental illness was shocking your brain until you had a stroke. Or worse yet, in the 1800s holes were drilled into your brain to let the "illness" escape. No thanks. I'm grateful for therapists, psychiatrists and medications.