Consider searching CC for "mental illness" or "depression". There are some threads on this topic.
One thing to keep in mind is that the application is a sales effort, and effort to gain acceptances. Whatever you say in the application must be truthful, but the application need not reveal everything about you. An applicant who showers once every two weeks, or who doesn't remember who won the Civil War, need not reveal these facts in their applications.
I do think that a little self-criticism, some self-deprecating humor, often can help an essay. These things imo can enhance credibility by revealing some of the writer's basic honesty and humanity.
However, imo the essay should be bottom-line, overall positive about the writer. How does being bottom-line negative about oneself help one's chances of admission? I don't think it does. As the first part of a quote attributed to Rabbi Hillel goes:
Quote:
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If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
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