What can I REALLY mention in a college essay *explanations*?

<p>What is too personal and what is not?
So I haven't done AS WELL as I could have in highschool because of medical issues, emotional issues, and family issues.
But I mean, what is TOO personal?
By not as well, I mean a 3.8 UW/4.3 W.
One AP class this year.
So I mean, comparatively, I'm doing alright. I WILL go to college somewhere. But I don't have as many ECs as I know I could have [dancer, singer, writer] and the like...
I mean, I know people have problems, but from the beginning of my career things have hit me like...whoa. I don't know, PM for detail? Personal, like I said...if anybody could help out with this...what can I mention/not mention? </p>

<p>Examples:
Depression
Anxiety Disorders
ICU/Medical problems
Divorce
Death in Family </p>

<p>...that kind of thing. All starting my Freshman/Sophomore/beginning of Junior years..
I mean, I'm not whiney about it. I've tried to pick up and move on and work it out. I'm on treatment for my disorders and everything, but it'd be foolish to say they didn't serve as some part of a distraction, you know? So. I don't know. Just a question I guess.</p>

<p>General rule of thumb, don't mention mental health issues. Colleges will be wary of admitting someone that could become a liability... I sort of have a lot of experience with this. </p>

<p>I wouldn't really mention death, depression, divorce. If you do, make your essay about how a major emotional experience has changed you for the better.</p>