<p>Strengthlikebear,
I remember seeking advice about a similar situation. My essay would have been about about sexual abuse too.</p>
<p>Someone on this forum gave me the advice to focus on how I learned from it and how I have grown and changed. She told me not to be too concerned about the actual event of it but use it as a background. The essay should mainly focus on what I got out of it, not what happened. That might ease up on the idea that you’re looking for pity. </p>
<p>If it’s possible, get someone else to read over it to make sure it really sounds like you’re focusing on how it helped you and not the abuse/depression itself. </p>
<p>Hope this helps and good luck. :)</p>