If you feel that you have overcome your difficulties, you could even put a spin on it to make it sound like a character building and strengthening experience. Tell them a little about the depression, but focus on how you dealt with it and overcame it. Talk about how it has affected you long term, but only if you can find a positive way to express it. e.g. “Overcoming my battle with depression gave me confidence to overcome challenges, both internal and external. It showed me that personal perspective affects all aspects of our lives, from school work, to personal interactions. During my recovery, I learned that with hard work, we can achieve in spite of adversity.” Yes, there is the risk that some schools might not like to hear this, but would you want to go to those schools anyway? And the school could get in major trouble if you could prove it. Also, if you’re at all interested in psychology or medicine, try to weave that in too.

I would suggest you do write it in the letter, and go and interview with the admissions department… tell them you are really ready to learn, etc. (if you are).

You can always try a com. college for a couple semesters, and transfer when you can get the grades.