Let’s be real: PA school is tough. Life is tough. And if you’ve struggled with your mental health along the way—you are so not alone.

We’ve worked with hundreds (literally) of pre-PAs, and you’d be surprised how many quietly wonder:

“Can I talk about anxiety? Depression? Burnout? Trauma?”

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: Yes, but it has to be done the right way.

In this post, we’re breaking down how to share your mental health journey in a way that shows strength—not concern—on your PA school application.

First things first—why mental health matters

If you’re entering the world of healthcare, guess what? You will work with people navigating mental health challenges. Understanding them from personal experience can actually be a huge strength.

But here’s the catch: PA schools don’t want to worry that you’ll burn out and drop out during your second semester. So how you frame your story is key.

You’re not writing a therapy journal

You don’t need to go deep into the darkest chapters of your life. You’re not writing your personal statement for a mental health memoir.

Instead, focus on this formula:

Challenge → What you did to overcome it → How it made you stronger/helped you grow

Examples:

• “After experiencing anxiety during undergrad, I sought therapy and developed coping skills that now help me manage stress and stay focused under pressure.”

• “Struggling with depression taught me the importance of seeking help, and it deepened my empathy for patients facing invisible battles.”

Bottom line: Focus on the growth, not the struggle.

Things to avoid (seriously, don’t do this)

• Don’t sound like it’s still an unresolved crisis. If it feels like a fresh wound, the adcoms may worry.

• Don’t blame your mental health for poor grades without showing what changed. Own it, but also explain what you did to improve.

• Don’t overexplain or overshare. One solid paragraph is usually enough.

Where to include it in your application

• Personal Statement: If your journey impacted your “why PA” or sparked your passion for medicine, this is a great place—but be concise and strategic.

• Supplemental Essays: This is perfect for explaining gaps in education, lower grades, or leaves of absence related to mental health.

• Interview: If it comes up, stay positive and focused on your growth. Practice your answer beforehand so you don’t panic or overshare.

Final pep talk:

You don’t have to hide what you’ve been through. Mental health doesn’t make you weak—it makes you human. And in our opinion? It often makes you a better and more empathetic provider.

You just have to share it in a way that shows resilience, not risk.

And if you’re unsure how to word it? We help pre-PAs do this all the time. Seriously. We can help you tell your story in a way that’s both real and professionally powerful. >> Sign up for our CASPA Application Editing service where we edit your entire app, including your personal statement, COVID and life experience essays, and experience paragraphs to make sure you stand out the right way!