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Writer's pictureGeorgia Lancashire

How Self-Expression Through Personal Style Promotes Positive Mental Health

A lot of people use their fashion and style to express themselves and there are many reasons for this. It may be to show their culture, or their lifestyle, or it could be to show their creativity or it may also be to simply show to the world who they are.


Either way, this can be an extremely positive tool for people who may have trouble expressing themselves in other ways. Personal style is the best way to introduce yourself to the world without the use of words.


Not only that, but it also gives an opportunity to look deeper within and learn about yourself. The more we know about ourselves, the easier we can find it to be kinder to ourselves. Did you know the relationship we have with ourselves is very important for our well-being?


Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your body. Depression is the world’s predominant mental health problem, and this can affect your life is many negative ways. The symptoms of depression can vary from mild to severe and in some cases, depression leads to feelings of worthlessness, and self-expression is a healthy way to practice self-love which is a way to combat any feelings of worthlessness.


What is the link between fashion and self worth


Sometimes the fashion industry holds their standards at an unattainable high. This is damaging to the self-worth of so many of us but why is it like this? Well, through magazines, online articles, and social media we are taught that there is only one way to dress to be fashionable or to look good. If we don’t have this look, then we are made to feel lesser.


This is why self-expression through personal style is so important. It represents going against the norm, and showing off your individuality. I don’t know about you but I think it’s so exciting to plan an outfit in your own style.


Everybody has their own individuality in their beauty, and their personality. Why not with their style too? A certain outfit would look different on different body types. Some people would feel a lot better in it than others so why would everyone try to wear the same thing?


Feeling good in an outfit you love is always better than feeling bad in an outfit that’s trendy even if what you’re wearing is completely off the wall. There are no rules to fashion. Wear what makes you feel confident, and good about yourself.


Using fashion to promote positive mental health


Fashion isn’t just the clothes we buy from the shops. It’s how we piece our clothes together to create an outfit or look. How we choose to style a look or an item shows to the world who you are, and part of your story.


Some people take this a step further and personalise their clothes by adding embroidery or designing their own clothes. This can be incredibly liberating for people as it makes their style all the more personal.


A designer called George has started using this to create his own line of t-shirts that raise awareness of mental illness. He uses his experiences with anxiety, and panic attacks to make his designs, and sells them with the hopes it will break the stigma of talking about their mental health. After all, talking about your struggles is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact talking with our loved ones can improve our mental state, and make us feel less alone.


Creating your own style for your confidence


It’s really important for your mental health to have a creative outlet. For some, it can be a really harmless way to relieve stress, or frustration. For others, it can be a way to express their other emotions like joy or sadness. Whichever style you prefer, there is always some kind of personalisation or DIY you can do to try expressing yourself.


A plain white tee can suit a lot of styles, and they’re very easy to customise. A simple embroidery or a drawn on, with fabric pens, design can completely change the look to the top. It is also a great way to show individuality, and self-expression which could make you feel great and confident.


The better you feel in the clothes you wear, the better you feel about yourself.


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