Common App essay prompt and overcoming panic attacks

Applying to College Common and Coalition Application
1

I think I remember in the past some members here suggesting not to use the essay prompt about overcoming challenges to discuss overcoming mental illness. My daughter had panic attacks last year and saw a counselor but also began taking medication that truly changed her life (I was very anti-meds but came around on this for panic attacks).

She really wants to use her story of overcoming panic attacks for the Common App but I am concerned this will hurt her chances.

Any thoughts on this?

2

I think it really all comes down to how she talks about it. There are certainly very effective essays on mental illness, and some that are not as effective. Feel free to PM me if you want more specifics, as I have a few friends who have written essays on mental illness to vary degrees of effectiveness.