Explaining Extenuating Circumstances

I'll keep it general. How receptive are admissions offices to hearing about bouts with mental illness. I had one that caused me to take a brief leave of absence from worth. I think I have a good story in my essays to tell about how I've been a high achiever (good work experience, recs, school, GMATS, etc.) despite only recently learning about a couple of chronic conditions I have had that have, in some ways, certainly held me back. I'm just too wary of leaning on these circumstances as a crutch and coming off as someone who wallows in self-pity -- even though I'd certainly take care not to come across that way. Any thoughts?