it is used and accepted as a valid excuse way too often. In the past, it was less likely to be acknowledged as a valid excuse. This led to more people overcoming their anxiety and conquering their fears. My kids try and use it on my wife and I all the time. Tough crap! You are going to school, doing the dishes, swimming in that lake, learning to drive, etc.

I have neighbors that just pulled their kids out of school because of their anxiety. Now they sit at home and play video games all day. That would have never worked 50 years ago.