<p>I have seen this question posted around this forum in some form or other, but I believe that my conditions are extremely representative of my growth as a student. I have hereditary OCD, major clinical depression, anxiety, and as a byproduct of all these, an eating disorder. I have been depressed ever since I remember, having suicidal thoughts since elementary school. However, I have since the past year began to take pills and attend therapy, and I have not displayed any common symptoms of these illnesses. There is a steady increase in my academics which correlates with my recovery, and my unweighted is now 3.9 due to two B's in my sophomore year. Although this might sound good, my school's average is 4.0. The only other thing which may be an effect of my depression is the number of absences I have accumulated over the years. </p>
<p>Because it has been such a huge part of my life, I feel that I should at least be able to mention it in some form in an essay without having it detrimentally affect my chances of getting in to Berkeley. I don't have any particular hardships, and all my problems stem from biological issues. I feel that not addressing this portion of my life would be completely leaving out half of who I am.</p>
<p>Please give me your honest opinions of whether or not I should mention this.
I apologize beforehand for any ignorance or offense which I might have displayed.</p>
<p>First of all, I am glad that you were able to get all the help to overcome this. I am not sure what to advise, but a lot of teens these days are actually going through the same thing. Part of it as you say is hereditary but there is a lot of external factors (just society in general, pressure to overachieve, tv, internet…). Anyway, guess what I am saying is you are not alone. So I am on the fence as to what to say - Maybe just the eating disorder part and how you have overcome those challenges and how you have turned it around. Good luck.</p>
<p>This is an issue we struggled with when my S was applying to college last year (he suffered for many years from major depression and anxiety and spent time in therapeutic school). Ultimately, we decided to address his illness in non-specific way. His counselor recommendation stated that he had suffered from a serious medical condition for several years during high school, which had affected the rigor of the courses he took, his attendance and his performance. She then stated that both his condition, his grades, and his course rigor had improved significantly. S did not mention his illness in his essays. Regrettably, colleges are still quite wary of accepting students with a history of mental illness. So, as much as you might want to be honest about your condition and let colleges know how you have triumphed over adversity, I think it may be too great of a risk.</p>
<p>I agree with the above posts. Unless your illness has inspired you in some way, such as giving you a determination to become a therapist, it is probably not going to benefit you to mention it. You may also want to think about what type of college environment is best for you to continue your growth and build your self esteem. Berkeley may or may not be a good idea. What are your SAT scores? Your GPA indicates that you have a good chance for admission.</p>