Introduction

Writing about mental health in your college essay can be tricky. It’s a topic that touches many, but it’s also very personal. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through seven tips to help you talk about mental health in a smart and sensitive way.

You’ll learn how to share your thoughts without sharing too much, and how to connect your experiences to your academic goals. Let’s make sure your essay stands out for all the right reasons

What do The Admissions Officers have to Say about Topics on Mental Health in a College Essay?

The following information was sourced from our research of this blog post topic. Should you wish to validate or find out more, kindly visit our sources: IvyPanda, StudyCorgi, MastersPapers, Peachy Essay, and Perfect Essay Writing.

General Agreement that Mental Health Topics need the Delivery of TRUE INFORMATION

When you apply to college, it’s like telling a story about yourself. And just like any good story, college admissions officers expect it to be true. So, if you’re writing about tough stuff, like mental health, be real about it.

Being authentic is one of the backbone properties of an effective college essay, and is what allows the institution you are applying to see you for who you really are. This is especially important for essays on mental health.

It doesn’t take much to be honest—just be truthful with the information you are providing. And if you don’t feel comfortable sharing it, then don’t include it in your essay. Look for something else.

They Want Applicants to Share their ‘Not Too Sensitive’ Opinions on The Subject

When applying to college, it’s good to talk about mental health, but admissions officers expect you to keep it balanced. They are interested in your views on mental health but don’t need to know the most private parts of your story.

For example, if you’ve had really tough times, like feeling so sad that you didn’t want to live, it’s not necessary to share those details in your essay. It’s better to focus on how you’ve grown as a result of what you’ve learned from your experiences.

Remember, your essay is a chance to show colleges the strengths and insights you’ve gained, not just the challenges you’ve faced.

Develop a Deep Understanding of a Given Mental Health Topic before Addressing It

A college admissions essay can be particularly powerful when it’s about mental health, but it must be well-researched and not just based on personal opinion.

Admissions officers say they want essays that show a deep understanding of the topic.

When you connect what you know about your chosen topic with your own experiences, it makes your essay more engaging.

If you’ve faced challenges like depression or anxiety, sharing how you’ve researched and addressed these issues can demonstrate your resilience and capacity to learn. This approach not only enriches your essay but also conveys your commitment to personal development.

Remember to Approach the Topic with Empathy and to Give Evidence to Support Arguments

When crafting your college essay, especially one that touches on mental health, admissions officers generally agree on the crucial nature of writing with a warm heart and a clear mind. Show that you truly understand the ups and downs people face with mental health issues.

It’s not about feeling sorry for them; it’s about showing you can step into their shoes and grasp the hurdles they encounter every day.

To get this insight, consider visiting a clinic that specializes in mental health care or having a conversation with experts in the field. These experiences can open your eyes to the realities of mental health challenges.

If it’s not possible to meet face-to-face, don’t worry. The internet is a treasure trove of opportunities to connect with knowledgeable professionals. You can find forums, chat groups, or even direct messaging platforms where experts are ready to share their knowledge.

Taking the time to learn from these interactions will enrich your essay with genuine empathy and a well-rounded perspective.

College admissions officers are on the lookout for essays that show thoughtful consideration of mental health. They appreciate when a student has taken the time to explore the topic thoroughly, not just tossing around personal views without substance.

Your essay should be a reflection of this thoughtful exploration, demonstrating that you’ve engaged with the topic on a deeper level. This kind of essay will stand out, as it shows you’re a student who cares about understanding complex issues and is ready to contribute meaningfully to the college community

Is Mental Health TOO Personal of a Topic to Write about?

Deciding whether to write about mental health in your college essay is a personal choice. It’s important to reflect on whether sharing this part of your story will show your strengths and potential.

If you’re still facing mental health challenges, or if it’s difficult to share your thoughts clearly and positively, it might be best to choose another topic.

Your essay should highlight the best parts of who you are and how you’ve grown. It’s a chance to show the admissions committee that you’re ready for college.

So, take some time to think: Is this topic right for me? Can I write about it in a way that’s helpful and shows my good qualities? If the answer is yes, then go ahead.

But if talking about mental health feels too personal or upsetting, it’s okay to write about something else that still shows who you are and what you can bring to the college community

How to Discern if Mental Health is Too Personal

When thinking about writing your college essay on mental health, it’s a good idea to take some time for self-reflection. Ask yourself how you feel about the topic and if it’s something you’re comfortable sharing.

If you’ve had mental health challenges in the past, make sure you’re in a good place now and can talk about them in a way that shows how you’ve grown. If the topic brings up strong emotions like anger or sadness, it might be too personal to write about in your essay.

Instead, your essay should be a place to show your strengths and how you’ve overcome challenges.

It’s also helpful to talk to people you trust, like friends, counselors, or family. They can give you another perspective and help you decide if this is the right topic for you. They might see things about you that you haven’t noticed, and their advice can guide you on whether to share your mental health journey in your essay.

Remember, one of the goals in writing the essay is to show the best version of yourself to the admissions committee without breaking down.

What is the Most Recommended Approach if Mental Health is Too Personal?

If discussing mental health feels too close to the heart, it might be better to choose a different topic.

Your essay should be a positive reflection of who you are and how you’ve grown, not a place for sharing very private or intense emotions. It’s not the space for confessions or expressing feelings that are better suited for a therapy session.

The mission here is to show the admissions committee your best qualities and how you’re a great fit for their college. So, if talking about mental health is too personal, it’s okay to skip it and talk about something else that still shows your strengths and potential.

What to Do Before Deciding to Write on Mental Health as a College Essay Topic

Research The Institution You are Applying to

When considering writing about mental health in your essay, it’s smart to first research the college you’re applying to. Different colleges in the United States may have different approaches to students with mental health challenges.

If you share that you’ve faced mental health difficulties in your essay, it could affect how the college sees you. They might view you as a liability, which could impact your chances of being accepted.

So, make sure to do thorough research on the college’s stance on mental health. Find out how they support students with these challenges and whether they’ll appreciate your honesty. This will help you decide if it’s a topic you should include in your essay and how it might influence your application.

Self Analyze with Yourself to Discover Whether You are 100% Sure on Choosing the Topic

Choosing to write about mental health in your essay is a big decision. It’s all about being honest with yourself. Ask yourself if you’re ready to share personal details about past mental health challenges with people you don’t know.

Remember, these admissions officers are strangers, and you want to make sure you’re comfortable opening up to them.

Your essay is a chance to show who you are, but it doesn’t have to include everything. If mental health is too personal, it’s okay to pick another topic that still shows your strengths and personality. Think about it carefully.

You want to write an essay that feels right to you and will make the admissions officers see your potential. At the end of the day, you’re sharing a part of your story with a college that’s also a business. They’re looking for great candidates, so choose a topic that lets you shine in the best light.

Figure Out if You Can Demonstrate Growth

When crafting an admissions essay on mental health, it’s crucial to frame your narrative to highlight personal growth and maturity. Reflect on moments of struggle—not just the fear or worry about mental health—but more importantly, the journey beyond these challenges.

Share a pivotal moment when you realized that your fears were unfounded, which in turn, bolstered your confidence.

In your essay, focus on the evolution of your understanding rather than the mental health challenges themselves. This topic often stirs debate, so it’s essential to show how you’ve grown from your experiences. Describe the valuable lessons learned and weave in stories that touch on your struggles but emphasize the insights gained.

Perhaps there was a meaningful conversation with a relative who offered perspective—consider dedicating a portion of your essay to this dialogue. However, avoid delving too deeply into the specifics of your mental health issues, such as moments of depression or anxiety. These details may not resonate with all college admissions boards.

Instead, underscore the knowledge you’ve gained, the realizations you’ve come to, and the steps you’ve taken as a result of support from those who care.

This approach will demonstrate your capacity for learning and growth, which is a vital aspect to consider before writing an essay on mental health.

Isn’t it Just Better to Write about Your Mental Health in the ‘Additional Information’ section? Think about It!

When considering your college application, it’s important to recognize that there’s an additional information section where you can briefly mention your mental health, if you choose.

This is particularly useful if discussing mental health in depth feels too personal or if you’re uncomfortable sharing such details with the admissions committee.

If you’re aware of this section but prefer not to disclose your mental health there, yet still wish to address it in your essay, then make sure to properly balance your narrative.

Focus on the key points we’ve discussed in this blog post: personal growth, maturity, and the lessons learned from your experiences. This approach allows you to touch on the subject without making it the central theme of your essay.

Brainstorm on Ways of Making the Topic Unique

When writing about mental health in your essay, it’s important to stand out. Just like any topic, your mental health story should be unique.

Research essays on mental health online or in libraries to see how others have handled the topic. You can also check platforms like Reddit for discussions and examples. Learn from these and then tell your own story differently.

Your essay should show your personal growth and the lessons you’ve learned. It should reflect your experiences in a way that makes you stand out in your college application.

Remember, it’s not just about what you went through, but how you grew from it and what you learned that matters.

How to Make Mental Health Work as a Good Essay Topic?

Provide Specific Details that are not Too Revealing on Your Mental Health Condition

When writing your essay about mental health, remember to give clear details without sharing too much about your personal medical history.

Think about why you sought help and how it made things better for you and others. Ask yourself, “Why was getting help important?” Answering this will help you give the right amount of information in your essay.

As mentioned by the Tanabes, doing so makes your essay detailed and effective for its purpose.

Identify Positive Qualities about Your Mental Health and Ensure they Dominate Your Essay

When crafting a college admission essay, it’s essential to highlight the positive aspects of your experiences, particularly when discussing sensitive topics like mental health.

Emphasizing the positive qualities and lessons learned from any medical condition not only showcases resilience but also reflects a constructive outlook that can resonate with admissions officers.

For instance, if you’re sharing your journey of recovery, focus on the acts of kindness you performed or received, and the insights gained about life and yourself. These narratives of growth and contribution can paint a picture of a thoughtful and engaged individual.

Remember, admissions essays are a chance to present the best version of yourself. While it’s important to be honest, dwelling on negative experiences without a redemptive angle can be off-putting. Instead, weave a story that demonstrates how challenges have shaped you into a stronger, more compassionate person and make sure the outcome of your challenges dominates the challenges themselves in this essay topic because of its complexity in social understanding.

It’s crucial to approach this topic with care, as mental health can be a delicate subject. Some readers may have preconceived notions, so presenting your story in a positive light is key. This doesn’t mean ignoring the struggles; rather, it means framing them in a way that emphasizes personal growth and the ability to overcome obstacles.

In summary, keep your essay uplifting and forward-looking. Share how your experiences have prepared you for college and beyond, and how they’ve enabled you to contribute positively to those around you.

Write a Thesis Statement that Portrays the Central Idea from a Growth Perspective

When you write an essay, especially about personal challenges like mental health, it’s good to talk about how you’ve grown and learned from your experiences. Your essay should start with a sentence that tells the reader what your story is about. This sentence is called a thesis statement, and it’s usually at the beginning of your essay.

In your thesis statement, focus on the positive changes you’ve made in your life. Talk about how you’ve become a better person after dealing with health issues. You could alternatively share how you’ve learned new things and how you’ve used these lessons to do well in school and other activities.

It’s important to keep your essay thesis positive because people have different feelings about mental health. Some might not understand it well. So, when you write about it, choose to talk about how you’ve grown stronger and wiser. This way, a majority of your readers can receive your story without judgment. Even if they have a tough heart.

Keep in mind that your essay is a chance to show the good things about you. It’s not just about the problems you’ve faced, but about how you’ve overcome them and what you’ve learned. This makes your essay interesting and easy for everyone to understand.

Connect Your Mental Health Condition with Your Academic Inclinations to the School You are Applying to

Linking your personal experiences with mental health to your academic goals can make your essay stand out. To do this well, you need to know about the school’s mental health resources and how they support students. Then, you can write about how these resources match your journey and your wish to study mental health.

For example, if you want to be a therapist and help others with anxiety, talk about this in your essay. Explain how your own experiences have given you a unique understanding of mental health challenges. This shows that you’re not just sharing problems, but you’re also focused on solutions and your future career.

By connecting your story to the school’s programs, you make your essay more than just a personal story. It becomes a powerful statement about how you and the school are a good fit.

This way, your essay won’t seem like you’re complaining. Instead, it will show you as a student who’s ready to learn and succeed in the field of mental health.

What to Avoid when Handling The Mental Health Topic in a College Essay

DON’T let The Mental Health Topic Portray You as a Weak Student

Discussing mental health in an essay requires careful consideration. It’s crucial to present your experiences without casting yourself as a student who struggles to cope.

Avoid any suggestion of frailty. Instead, focus on the segments of your narrative that demonstrate personal development.

Remember, the goal is to illustrate your capacity for growth. Reflect on this, and let the lessons you’ve learned shine through.

Steer clear of highlighting any weaknesses. Doing so could undermine your credibility as an applicant. You aim to gain admission to the college of your choice, and showcasing your resilience is key to achieving that.

DON’T be TOO REVEALING Because It will Cause a Boundaries Issue

Writing about mental health in your essay is a delicate task. It’s important to share your experiences while showing that you understand the importance of boundaries.

Boundaries are essential in college, where you’ll meet and live with new people. In your essay, show that you know where to draw the line—what others should not cross.

This line will guide you not only in your college life but also with your interactions and decisions beyond campus. When discussing mental health, or any topic, make sure to convey that you respect your limits and expect others to do the same.

DON’T Provide Inauthentic Information

Honesty in your essay is non-negotiable. When discussing mental health or any sensitive topic, ensure that every detail you share is accurate.

Avoid fabrications that could hint at dishonesty, as this could significantly harm your credibility and chances of admission. It’s natural to want to present yourself in the best light, but remember that genuine self-representation is most effective.

Be comfortable with the personal information you choose to disclose; this comfort will translate into a narrative that feels authentic and trustworthy.

Admissions officers value integrity, and should they verify your story, you’ll want them to find that everything you’ve shared aligns with the truth.

DON’T Complain about Your Mental Health Condition in Any Way

Addressing mental health in your essay should be done with care. Avoid complaining about your condition, as it may detract from the overall message you wish to convey. Instead, present your experiences as part of a larger narrative of personal growth and maturity.

This approach demonstrates your readiness for college and your capability to handle challenges constructively.

Remember, the admissions essay is an opportunity to showcase your strengths and the positive aspects of your journey. It’s about showing that you’re not only aware of your vulnerabilities but also proactive in managing them. By focusing on solutions and progress, you’ll illustrate that you’re a candidate who can thrive in the face of adversity.

DON’T Focus Your Essay on Your Past, Talk about How You Feel about Your Mental Health in the Present

Your past may include challenges with mental health, but in your essay, it’s beneficial to concentrate on the present—how you’ve overcome these issues and what you’ve learned.

Discuss your current feelings about mental health, emphasizing the positive strides you’ve made. This approach paints a picture of someone who has not only addressed their challenges but has also emerged stronger.

It’s a narrative that highlights the resilience and personal growth, which is far more compelling to admissions officers. By focusing on the present and your positive transformation, you present yourself as a candidate who is ready to tackle the academic and social aspects of college life.

DON’T Describe Events to Do with Blood or any Other Visually Displeasing Moment such as Your Mental Pain Struggles

When crafting your essay, it’s important to be mindful of the content you choose to share. You should steer clear of graphic details, especially those related to medical or mental health issues.

Describing such moments can inadvertently harm your chances of admission. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your journey.

For instance, if you’ve faced challenges, consider highlighting how you’ve overcome them or what you’ve learned, rather than the distressing specifics.

Remember, the goal is to present yourself in the best light, showcasing resilience and growth. If certain experiences are too sensitive for your readers, you should remember to leave them out or mention them only briefly.

Should You Write a College Essay on Mental Health?

The Pros of Writing on Mental Health in a College Essay

It is Going to be Mostly Avoided by Applicants Making it a Unique Topic to Write an Essay on

Writing about mental health can be challenging, but it’s a chance for college applicants to stand out. Many students shy away from this topic, so those who choose to tackle it have a unique opportunity.

If you’re that applicant, embrace this chance to share your personal, positive experiences with mental health. By explaining why you’ve engaged with this issue before, you can make your essay more detailed and compelling.

If Mental Health Means A Lot to You, You can Make Your Essay Memorable and Engaging

When you pick a topic that you really like, your essay will be fun to read. You’ll need to work on making it special, though. Use different writing tricks to help it stick in people’s minds.

If you write about something important to you, you’ll be able to talk about it honestly. This helps the people reading your application to understand you better, which makes your essay more powerful.

So, if you care a lot about your topic, go for it! If it doesn’t mean much to you, it might be better to think of something else. Writing from the heart is what makes your essay truly great and can help you get into college.

The Cons of Writing on Mental Health in a College Essay

Admissions Officers May be Worried You Can’t Manage to Cope in their College

Discussing mental health in an essay is a delicate matter. Admission officers may have concerns about a student’s ability to thrive in the college environment if they disclose past mental health challenges.

Some students might indeed face difficulties if their peers learn about their mental health history, and this is one of the reasons why you need to closely investigate the institution of higher learning you wish to join before even thinking about writing an admissions essay.

However, if you choose to share your experiences in your essay, it’s important to focus on how you’ve overcome these challenges and grown from them, just as we have been saying in this blog post in other sections.

This can demonstrate resilience and personal growth, which are qualities colleges look for. It’s not about highlighting limitations but rather showing how you’ve worked through them and are prepared for college life.

Remember, the goal is to present yourself in the best light, so if discussing your mental health history can do that, it may be worth including. Just be sure to emphasize the positive aspects and how you’re ready to succeed in college.

The Topic is Best Handled in a Guidance Counselor’s Letter than the Admissions Essay

Discussing mental health in an admissions essay can be sensitive.

It might be better to talk about it in a guidance counselor’s letter, where it can be mentioned briefly. This way, you’re not sharing too much personal information with strangers who might not understand your situation.

The counselor’s letter can touch on your mental health in a way that shows your strengths without going into too much detail. This approach can be more comfortable for you and still lets the admissions team know about your experiences in a respectful way.

Works Best if it Supplements a More Positive Topic about Yourself such as The Story Behind Your Academic Achievements

Mental health is a personal and important topic, and it can be part of your essay. Instead of making it the main focus, you could mention it briefly as one of the challenges you’ve faced. For example, when talking about your academic achievements, you can include how you’ve overcome mental health difficulties.

This shows your resilience and determination. It’s a way to share your story without going into too much detail about your medical history.

Remember, the goal is to highlight your strengths and how you’ve grown, not to focus on the problems alone. So, it’s okay to touch on mental health issues but keep the main emphasis on your successes and what you’ve learned from your experiences.

However, this is a problem for those who want to make it the main focus. For those willing to compromise, this can be a more viable strategy.

Can’t Portray Weaknesses as Effectively as a Positive Topic Would

Here’s the deal: to make a good essay, you’ve got to show off what makes you authentic and this mostly means your weaknesses. This can’t be shown as easily on this kind of essay topic because of its complicated nature in people’s hearts.

Instead of avoiding the topic though, you can use it on a positive topic to highlight how you’ve overcome challenges. For example, you might share how dealing with mental health has made you stronger and more determined.

This approach can make your essay stand out, showing that you’re not perfect, but you’re a real person who has grown from your experiences.

What does India’s BoardPlus Think about The Topic in General?

We, India’s BoardPlus, suggest that it’s often best to avoid focusing on mental health issues in a college essay. It can be complex to discuss such a personal topic effectively without oversharing or appearing vulnerable.

Discussing desires to harm oneself or others, for example, is too sensitive for an essay. It’s important to be honest, but also to maintain a balance and protect your privacy.

The essay should showcase your strengths and potential as a college applicant, not complicate your application. Therefore, it might be wise to choose a different subject that allows you to present yourself in the best light without getting into the complexities of mental health. If you wish to learn how to choose a good college essay topic, kindly read more on our most recent blog post on this.

Conclusion

In conclusion, writing about mental health in your college essay is a personal choice that requires careful consideration. It’s a chance to show colleges your strength and growth, but it’s important to approach it with maturity and reflection.

Remember to focus on the positive, demonstrate how you’ve grown, and connect your experiences to your future goals. With the right approach, your essay on mental health can be powerful and inspiring, leaving a lasting impression on admissions officers.

FAQ

Can You Write about Mental Health in a College Essay?

Yes, you can, but writing about mental health in this type of essay can indeed be challenging. This doesn’t necessarily lower your chances of admission. It’s all about how you present your story. So make sure to present it well.

Can I Write my College Essay on My Anxiety?

Writing about mental health, including anxiety, can be a meaningful choice. It’s a chance to show how you’ve faced challenges and grown from them. While it may be tough to write an essay that stands out, focusing on your journey and the lessons learned can make it effective.

Is Mental Health a Good Topic for an Argumentative Essay?

Mental health is a compelling topic for an argumentative essay, especially if you can support your points with solid evidence. When writing about mental health, it’s important to present clear arguments and back them up with facts, studies, or personal experiences.

Does Mental Health Affect College Applications?

When referring to the context of college essays, it can be a bit tricky. As such, it can either cause your application to fail tremendously or succeed with flying colors. The latter is very hard to achieve. But with the information shared in this article, you have a better chance of succeeding.