I have a friend who is in a graduate program and qualified for an all-expenses-paid semester abroad in a third world country. Friend has severe and debilitating anxiety even with medication. Friend went on the trip and could only handle about a week before coming home. Friend used up the budget for the opportunity so it was not possible for another student to go in their place.

My mother and I were discussing the situation and I mentioned that as someone who has struggled with livelong debilitating anxiety, I would not have accepted the scholarship knowing I'd never be able to make it work in my current state and the money could be repurposed to another student. My mother (also prone to anxiety and depression) tearfully told me that I was an asshole and that people with anxiety have as much a right to trying to live a normal life as anyone. 

AITA?