Is she applying early? If she is applying Jan. 1 there is plenty of time. If you like, she can PM me and I will try to help. But honestly, it’s fine to take a break if the essay is getting stressful. Some kids need the deadline to be closer.
An essay can be about anything. Topics about the most ordinary things can work well. My kids always came up with good topics after looking at childhood photographs for some reason.
The change in grades can be explained in the supplementary essay or if done well, in the main one, but the main one can be done well for a variety of mundane topics too.