Ive been diagnosed with Cyclothymia, which basically makes me an emotional wreck. It really impacted my freshman/sophomore grades because I would get depressed, be irritable and alienate my teachers, be late to class from crying in the halls, etc. its pretty chill now, and I have things under control. I see a lot of posts talking about mentioning a learning disability or a family situation to colleges in applications, Im wondering if I should mention my diagnosis on my college applications, my grades have risen afterwards. I worry colleges might not believe its a legitimate condition and just see me as another teenager who couldnt control there emotions. Is there a way to validate my claim? Do they expect my counselor to mention it in his letter? Do I need to prove my diagnosis in anyway? Should I?
If I were you, I would have the counselor address it in his or her letter, but I would ask him or her to not specify the disorder and just say that you were facing health challenges your freshman and sophomore years that are now being successfully managed. Unfortunately, depression and other mental illnesses are often viewed negatively by college admissions.
I agree with the above.