How do Fashion and Mental Health Relate?
Did you know that more than 40% of adults face mental health challenges? Every year, the number of people with mental health struggles seems to rise, and it’s important to be aware and know the signs of these struggles to take action. In recent years, studies have shown that fashion and clothing actually have an impact on your mental health.
The two topics seem completely unrelated, but in all actuality, mental health and fashion can work together. You don’t have to be a top fashionista, but simply understanding that the routine of getting dressed every day impacts your mental health is a huge concept.
In this guide, we dive deeper into the correlation between fashion and mental health and how these two things relate to each other. Read more below!
Getting Mental Health Support When You Need It
If you’re wondering how much does therapy cost in 2023?, the answer is “it depends.” Ultimately, it will depend on the type of treatment you use and what is required for your therapy. There are many different options for mental health support, and the costs can vary across the board.
The important thing to consider when you worry about the cost is what happens when you don’t invest in your mental health. Is it worth it to be struggling with mental health when you might be able to spend some money and feel so much better?
When you need mental health support, it is absolutely vital that you find the support that works for you and invest in it. Whether you choose retail therapy, an online therapy platform, or an in-person psychiatrist and medication, you should never ignore your mental health needs. Take the time to do some research and find a solution that works for your health and your budget.
The Value of Fashion
Fashion is a natural part of our lives. We all have to wear clothes, which means we create our own styles and bring them to life. Fashion integrates with mental health in several different ways. Not only does the act of putting on clothes have an impact on your mental state, but even the clothes you choose to wear might make a difference. A certain color might make you feel a certain way.
A study from the Journal of Experimental Psychology noted that 96% of people in the study felt different based on the colors, comfort, and even fit of their clothes. The style made a difference. Take a look at these colors and how they might affect mood.
- Black – can make someone feel powerful, but constant or overuse can also draw a bad mood
- White – clean, fresh, pure, focused
- Light Blue – serene and professional
- Dark Blue – dependable and consistent, but overuse may also spark depression
- Yellow – happy and bright
- Orange – Enthusiastic and energetic
- Pink – romantic, loved, kind
- Purple – spiritual, lighthearted, darker shades may have darker emotions
- Green – soothing and healing
- Red – leadership, excitement, sensual, in control
- Brown – reliable and simple, but overusing may make you feel inferior
While someone may not feel the same way every single time they use color, these are common emotions that are associated with clothing. Take note of how your colors might just affect your mood.
In addition, consider the fit and comfort level of clothing. When you constantly wear clothes that don’t fit right, it has a tendency to steer you towards poor mental feelings. But some of this might also stem from how these clothes make you feel about yourself when wearing them. Comfortable clothes also leave you feeling more comfortable overall, and that will have an impact too.
Fashion is a Means of Expression
While fashion can have an impact on your state of mind, it’s also a way for you to express yourself. For example, if you are in a dark mood, you may be more likely to choose dark colors that match your mood.
Most people dress in a manner that they feel expresses themselves. In some ways, you dress in a manner that shows how you feel about yourself. And sometimes forcing yourself to make changes to your fashion just might have a positive impact on your mental health as well as your expressions of yourself.
Getting Dressed Makes a Difference
Fashion, in general, can impact your mental health, but that doesn’t mean you have to become a fashion expert to improve your mental health. Just the routine of getting dressed and going through the dressing ritual can have a positive impact on your mental health. Sometimes just taking the steps to get out of bed and put clothes on can help reduce feelings of depression or anxiety.
Final Thoughts
The colors and patterns you wear make a difference in mental health, as does the act of simply getting dressed every day. These elements impact your feelings and your health and are important to be familiar with. After all, you are going to wear clothing of some sort, so why not use it to improve your mood?
That being said, it’s also important to be aware of your mental health needs. While fashion can impact your feelings and expressions, it does not necessarily negate the need for mental health support and care. Seek help when you need it, but don’t be afraid to let fashion impact your mood in a positive way!