Mental health has always been taboo, or at least people suffering from the consequences of mental unwellness were led to believe it was taboo. That’s becoming less and less the case, apparently more so than we realize.
It’s become a relevant topic to the point that there are industries making apparel available to people of any level of unwellness to not only assist in breaking the stigma but a way for individuals to express their identity if they so choose.
It’s an ideal way to open the line of discussion between the individual and those around them.
Only some will be comfortable wearing a hoodie or t-shirt that declares their mental health status. Still, reputable brands like https://www.yourmentalhealthisshowing.com/ mean to give their audience that opportunity, plus these brands give back then to the mental health wellness campaign.
Photo by Matthew Ball on Unsplash
The Fashion Industry And Mental Health Awareness
In the same vein, as these specific brands are dedicated to mental health clothing in a concerted effort to bring awareness to an often hushed side of the healthcare industry, the fashion business, in general, is becoming more involved in creating awareness.
The industry is openly having conversations where there were none previously. Supermodels are no longer silenced regarding the struggles they endure. It’s a transition that needs to happen so the average person can see that they’re not alone; these impossible standards and lifestyles have cracks.
Designers are creating lines depicting “supportive messages and reassuring prints.” Many companies donate their profits to mental health causes.
While clothes are not a remedy to a mental health crisis, these are a method for helping with negativity, intrusive thinking, feelings of low self-esteem, and hindered confidence. Go here for details on fashion brands supporting mental health.
How Does Clothing Impact Mental Health
When an individual suffers from a severe mental disorder, they will generally go out in public with their clothes in disarray, their hair disheveled, and little care for their appearance.
The consensus is that if that person were to force themselves to clean up and put on an outfit, a favorite shirt, or maybe get a haircut, it would positively impact mental wellness.
That doesn’t mean it would cure a disorder or remedy the issue being experienced; it would merely serve as one of many coping mechanisms to work through the problems. That’s one benefit of the mental health apparel with the messages meant to stir discussions.
These bring a feeling of strength and confidence, almost an empowerment, even a reminder to take care of you. Consider these suggestions.
● The right clothing can impact cognitive functionality
Various studies in the US have shown that distinct apparel will impact the individual’s psychology and production. From this conclusion, it was determined that clothing is relatively symbolic.
When a certain piece of clothing is designated as having a purported benefit, that item will likely then affect the wearer’s psychology.
In saying that, apparel with positive mental health messages can encourage and motivate the wearer to feel strong and confident, capable of becoming involved in any conversations resulting from the statements.
After a while, each time the person wears this clothing, they will feel more empowered.
● Allowing yourself to stand out, stepping outside your comfort zone
It’s not always easy to break away from what’s safe and comfortable in favor of something riskier. When clinically depressed or exceptionally anxious, the go-to is not to indulge in self-care or personal well-being.
The same clothes for a few days or longer, not brushing hair, and ignoring the shower are typically the course. That means when you go out, it’s evident to those around you that personal circumstances are happening in your life, that you’re burdened in some way.
Instead of thinking along those lines, purchasing some of the clothing with inspiring messages, leaving them hanging where they’re easy to grab could entice you to get out of bed. You might be forced to step outside of your comfort when you see the statement and take that shower.
That way, when the public addresses you, you’re ready to have the conversation, representing others who might not have been able to get out of the bed.
● Color and fabric can play a role in mental wellness
An essential psychological consideration is the “psychology of color.” This is the idea that various colors will evoke specific emotions and have the potential to impact mood and bouts of stress and anxiety.
In saying that, it’s possible a particular color, perhaps blue, boasts of being associated with feelings of “peace, positivity, calmness, and harmony.”
Fabric is another element that can play a crucial role in wellness because it determines comfortability. You’ll notice an increase in security and comfort in fabrics like cotton or linen since these offer a degree of flexibility, they can breathe, and there’s a durability.
When people choose denim, many enjoy a blend offering some cotton. You’ll have the feel of denim but that level of comfort that’s soothing and not restrictive.
Choosing any piece of clothing should make you feel good in your skin; you feel like the best version of yourself and not as though you’re pretending to be someone else. No one should ever attempt to do that.
It brings incredible stress and anguish, leading to feelings of low self-esteem and, ultimately, depression and anxiousness. This is why the fashion industry is breaking its silence to let the masses know that everything is not what it seems behind the curtains.
There are struggles; there is mental unwellness. They want the public to be aware and would like to play a vital role in helping to break the stigma.
The industries that are responsible for developing inspirational mental health apparel set high standards for raising mental health awareness and starting discussions. Slowly and gradually, the stigma will become a thing of the past. It will just take continued efforts like these.
Final Thought
In a roundabout way, clothing shapes your self-expression. How you go out into the world will lead people to make presumptions about you, whether you like it or not. These perceptions are often off the charts, but sometimes somebody gets it right.
Fortunately, there are industries now creating attire that literally speaks to the public about the real issues. Now instead of whispering to each other in the corners, people can come up and have a discussion, or you can approach them to see if they would like to have a conversation about what you’re wearing.
There’s no longer a reason for the subject to be taboo. It’s one everyone can discuss openly and intelligently.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash
You must be logged in to post a comment.