Well, this is just my opinion...

My perspective is that of the spouse of a man who is in college and who has severe anxiety/depression issues. He is 33 and is still a junior in college because he fails/drops so many classes due to depression and anxiety.

Colleges "judge" you based on your ability to perform and progress through their curriculum. They have some "disability" accommodations for people with mental illnesses, but it is an involved process that requires YOU to be committed and communicative, even when you feel like crap. They might extend a deadline or two for you if you are in a depressive episode, but you will have to notify your instructors ahead of time, in writing, that it "might" happen, and be specific ahead of time, in writing, about what kind of accommodation you need. And you need to get yourself out of bed and pick up the phone and call them when they're struggling. Don't do what my husband does and just not show up.

I don't consider them to be judging people "unfairly" because of a "stigma" -- the fact is that chronically poor past performance is not a positive indicator of how well they will do in the future. Colleges want people who are determined to succeed. With proper mental health management, it can definitely be achieved, but you will have to DEMONSTRATE commitment and motivation to get yourself through the process, rather than expect others to cut you slack.

Again, I might get bashed for this perspective, but that's what I see. Sorry if I offended anyone.