Can I write about mental health in my college essay?

No, especially not if it’s about anxiety or depression. We know that sounds harsh, but hear us out. Mental health is important, yes, but college essays aren’t therapy sessions. Writing about depression or anxiety often backfires, making readers worry more about your stability than your strengths. Even if you’ve made progress, it’s hard to control the tone, and you risk being defined by the struggle instead of the growth. Admissions officers want to see your resilience, not read a clinical case study. If mental health played a role in your journey, keep it brief and shift the focus to what you did about it, how you’ve grown, and how you’re thriving now, not just surviving.