Would overcoming depression be a good topic for my personal statement?

College Essays
1

<p>This is the prompt:
Describe the world you come from — for example, your family, community or school — and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.</p>

<p>Basically, my mom had me at the age of 16, and my dad was never around. I was constantly moving around with different family members and shelters and I didn't really have friends. At one point I was even living in an abusive household. I grew up feeling unloved and worthless, and I started cutting myself at the age of 8. For the longest time, I suffered with it alone. I was mainly afraid of disappointing my mom, but at the age of 12, I decided that I needed to get help for myself because it was getting to the point where I was making drafts of my suicide note. Getting help for myself was one of the best things I ever could have done. It has now been 2.5 years since I was placed on my last 51/50 and nearly 13 months since I have cut myself. I am still struggling with some things, but I continue to participate in therapy and I am constantly learning new things about myself and my life that have made me realize that the past 18 years of pain will ultimately mean nothing compared to the joy that being happy and successful in life will bring. I've gone through some dark times, and I have experienced things that most adults have never even experienced, but it has only made me a stronger person. My question is; would these experiences be good to write about? It has obviously made me into the person I am today, and I am pretty proud of myself and how far I have come. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!</p>

2

<p>Okay, you are telling a life story here, and this overcoming of illness and other family problems is actually more overdone then you think. If you can put serious emotion and not overdo it, then it will be a good essay. But more often then not, I read essay where, either the emotion is too overplayed and I feel the person is making it up for the essay, or the emotion is too underdone and its just a story with a moral.</p>

3

<p>First off congrats on overcoming it! It’s a big accomplishment.</p>

<p>I’ve read dozens of essays with this exact topic. While technically “there are no cliche topics, just cliche essays” this topic is one of those which often will lend itself to becoming a cliche essay. </p>

<p>If you were diagnosed with depression then it may be something that could explain poor marks/lack of ECs etc. during those years. If this is the case, it’s something your GC may include or you could as well. Most of the struggles associated with it an adcom could infer from the condition alone. Unless your essay has some truly unique/personal take on this topic, I’d be a little wary of trying it.</p>