Fashion: Our Secret Anti-Depressant
By: Hannah Adele Brong
Photography: Hannah Adele & Ella Silivanch
Studio: Location 215
Models: Kevin Guinan, Ella Silivanch, Kyd Kacani, & Hannah Adele
In our society with countless choices and decisions, the question "what to wear?" may seem short. Yet, it's an infinite portal leading to self-liberation, uncommon healing tools, and a glimpse of hope on the even moodiest of days.
You might want to get those appealing blue-light glasses because this article explores the powerful intersection of fashion self-expression and mental health betterment. Based upon psychological research and students who have navigated the intensity of mental health, it's a complex journey through personal stories, quotes, raw experiences, and facts. Prepare yourself to discover the therapy that hangs in our very own closets and the ‘armor’ sewn into each resilient garment. With the potential transformative impact of clothing and style intertwined with healing, together let’s challenge the stigma surrounding mental health issues; one outfit at a time. By the end of this article, I hope you'll not only see the power of fashion but recognize the strength that lies within you, waiting to be unfolded through your own unique style (no pun intended).
It is imperative to acknowledge thst mental health challenges have become increasingly prevalent over the last decade, making open discussions and support more crucial than ever. Amidst the pressures of academic stress, social expectations, what to wear, self-care, and personal struggles, the journey toward mental well-being for college students becomes an intricate mandala. A current (2023) junior at Drexel University, Ella, studying graphic design and confronting anxiety, closely captures this complexity – “My outfits of the day are usually a pretty accurate reflection of how I am feeling”. Ella wasn’t the only person to quote this about fashion self-expression and mental health. In fact, the thought process behind picking out your outfit is actually a healthy coping mechanism! Kristopher Fraser from Fashion United in the UK preached that having a routine and/ or ritual for dressing can aid in preventing intrusive thoughts leading to anxiety and depression. Fashion can quite literally impact how we think!
However, picking out an outfit of the day isn’t always a straightforward task; it can be much easier said than done. The same can be applied with ‘not caring about what others think’, especially when it comes to those fashion choices. But it all starts with trying – Kevin, a junior in college navigating dyslexia and ADHD while pursuing cybersecurity, shares his journey of embracing personal style: “I try not to care; I wear exactly what I want to wear. I try not to care for fun”. Underscoring the idea that finding and embracing personal style often invites positive affirmations! Remember how fashion can impact how we think? Right? Yes. Fashion physically influences our mental state, from all the cuts, patterns, textures, & colors, garment styles have been proven to enhance our mood. Consider skipping that journal entry next time and hone into what colors, patterns, and cuts, (or after you journal) make you feel like trying.
Don’t think you’re crazy either, did you know fashion therapists exists? Yep, no need to wipe those blue light glasses, you read that correctly! Fashion therapists work closely with individuals to help them better understand their own style preferences (shape, cut, silhouette, etc.), addressing body image concerns, and even emotional needs. These therapists personally help clients develop wardrobes that align authentically with who they are. One of the goals is to create a positive emotional connection to their clothing. While in the realm of unconventional practices, Hannah, a current junior in the Drexel University design and merchandising program, faces the reality of managing multiple different disorders shares that “My therapist once had me describe my outfit every day for one week using only one word to better understand me and my emotions”. Undeniably there is a language behind clothing, where the whisper of styling can happen on the outside, as well as on the inside. The unique approach of describing daily outfits with a single word can blossom into a transformative awakening. And the best part, it’s an accessible practice for everyone.
From a professional standpoint, there is at least one commonality between fashion self-expression and a therapist’s office – it’s meant to be a safe space. A place where anyone can wear their most unattractive thoughts and feelings. Many students might be surprised at the numbers today representing those ‘unattractive’ thoughts and feelings; 44 percent of students reported symptoms of depression; 37 percent voiced they experienced anxiety; and 15 percent said they were considering suicide — approximately 90,000 students were surveyed from across 133 different U.S. College campuses. Kyd, one more 3rd year design and merchandising student at Drexel University, feuding with depression, emphasizes the therapeutic nature of fashion self-expression: “Expressing myself through fashion really helps me to dig my way out of those depressive and intrusive thought ditches”. Confidence boosting patterns, specific colors such as yellow for happiness and hope, and even the comfort of our garment textures can serve as personal motivators. “5 out of the 7 days of the week I am getting out of bed solely just to put on my carefully put together masterpiece of an outfit” (Kyd).
So, the next time you’re standing before your closet, remember you aren’t merely choosing clothes; you’re designing a reflection of your resilience, strength, and unique identity. Throughout this ever – evolving expedition of mental health, I ask you to let your outfits be an empowering tribute to the stigma behind mental health awareness. Wear your wins, fails, heels, sneakers, resting bitch face, and smile; wear your strengths and weaknesses, wear your story.