Depression as a risky essay topic?

For a scholarship I have to write about some form of adversity I’ve overcome in my life. After being institutionalized, I feel depression was the biggest form of adversity I’ve faced. I was intending to write about this, until I heard that colleges don’t like to hear about depression. If the essay prompt asks about adversity, is it alright to reply with depression as a subject? It’s for a $500 scholarship offered by my local community college. I understand this topic may make them view me as unstable, but if I explain that I’ve completely overcome my issues, would it still be bad? Thoughts?

Here is how an adult it might see it: you think it is behind you because it was a couple of years ago. But adults often take a longer view, and know that this can recur. They aren’t really keen on having students with mental health issues on campus, too. Can you think of another topic?

I have a bit of a different take. From where I have been and what I’ve read most schools have mental health services programs on their campuses. They wouldn’t have those if they didn’t recognize the need to assist students with their emotional health, whether it be preexisting or newly brought on by the stress of college life. The way I look at it, kids who are already diagnosed have supports in place when they go to college or quickly seek new ones out and therefore are ready to get help.
My child wrote about “being dropped off at the gates of hell” for a college essay. I worried that if he didn’t get in, it would have been because of that. It was beautifully written and it was clear that he was on the right path. If you know in your heart that you won’t have second thoughts later if you don’t get the scholarship then go ahead and write it.

I agree with @intparent Find another topic.

Don’t do it.

@BUalum93, colleges have those services from necessity, but that does not mean they are neutral toward or welcoming toward students who may have issues on campus. These topics are best saved for discussions with a therapist or trusted friend, or a diary.

And given how many students want to write on this topic, reading these essays must be so boring. I agree that writing an essay about overcoming depression may be really useful and important to the student, but shouldn’t be used as an admissions or scholarship essay.

I agree with the majority.

Depression, unfortunately, is too cliche. Choose something entirely unique.

dont do it. Everyone goes through depression, especially in high school. colleges want to know about achievements, not set backs

I agree with the others. You don’t want to make your readers sad reading your essay. It should have a positive impression.