<p>Is it risky to write about something like clinically diagnosed depression or anxiety in essays? My junior year, which is when I was diagnosed, is also when my grades fell. I don't want to directly blame my anxiety for my bad grades, but I do want to talk about it. It's a part of me and my identity and I feel like I shouldn't hide it.
And again, just to make it very clear, this isn't a case of the typical teen saying "my life sucks, I probably have depression," it was clinically diagnosed and I'm doing therapy right now. </p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>Also, a random question I thought I'd throw in: how significant is a Letter of Commendation for the PSAT and is it something I should put on college apps or is it just useless? </p>
<p>Don’t solidly make it about why your grades fell. You’re already sending your transcript. If you write about how it affects your daily life, how it’s shaped your character and who you are as a person, then I think that’s fine. Get someone near and dear to you to provide you with some feedback. </p>
<p>I agree with ghost. Dont present it as your excuse, present it as part of learning about yourself and share some of the strategies you are learning to cope. Your generation in general is anxiety filled because you have so much coming at you thanks to the “efficiencies” of technology, plus you have immense pressure from us, your helicopter parents. If you are able to have it just be a chapter, not your whole story, and have it be a revelation rather than your ruination, it can work.</p>
<p>As for the NMS Letter of Commendation, should you mention it? ABSOLUTELY!! It IS a big deal. (Congrats on that, by the way!)</p>