Regardless, we do not have the means to accurately disagnose someone else's mental health without relying on their own assessment. We know mental health problems are real, but anyone can get themselves diagnosed with almost any mental issue if they're a convincing liar. What can we realistically do about it?
With severe enough issues, it's not necessarily a matter of confusing skepticism with dismissal, it's that either one is extremely anxiety inducing on top of the main issue. I've known people with serious anxiety disorders, and for them, one of the worst parts about going out in public was not dealing with their anxiety, but dealing with how others would react to their anxiety. The last thing they wanted or needed at the time when their issues were flaring up was an interrogation from some stranger, especially if that stranger was in a position to deny or delay them access to the help they needed.
ESA abuse definitely makes it harder for people with real issues and real ESAs. And while I understand the issues it causes when people abuse the system, like most "public outcries" over abuses, I worry that we're going to overcorrect on this one.
Regardless, we do not have the means to accurately disagnose someone else's mental health without relying on their own assessment. We know mental health problems are real, but anyone can get themselves diagnosed with almost any mental issue if they're a convincing liar. What can we realistically do about it?