Anxiety Outfits
When Anxiety and Depression Pick Your Outfit
There I am, standing in front of my closet. Again. A closet filled with more than enough options to fit any occasion, yet I’m frozen in place, staring as if the racks hold nothing at all. The abundance of choices feels overwhelming. Each shirt, dress, or pair of pants seems to shout at me, begging to be worn, but I can’t bring myself to reach for any of them.
In my head, the questions start swirling:
Is this okay for the office?
Will I look overdressed at the grocery store?
What if this makes me look like I’m trying too hard with friends?
What should be a simple decision feels like solving a riddle with no right answer. Time ticks by, but my anxiety doesn’t care. It’s too busy convincing me that every option is wrong.
Eventually, I give up. I reach for the most basic, neutral outfit I can find. Something black, maybe gray, something that doesn’t stand out in any way. Something I hope no one notices. Something that ensures I’ll blend into the background. But as I put it on, I feel a pang of defeat.
These clothes don’t express who I am. They don’t spark joy or make me feel confident. They simply cover me. I’m not wearing them—they’re wearing me. And while I know nobody else might care what I look like, my mind won’t stop whispering that they do.
I step out the door, feeling self-conscious and small. The loop of negative self-talk begins.
I look sloppy.
They’re judging me.
Why didn’t I try harder?
But here’s the thing: this battle isn’t just about clothes. It’s about the way anxiety and depression take hold of seemingly mundane moments, turning them into minefields. For me, choosing an outfit becomes a symbol of how these mental health struggles affect my sense of self-worth.
Sometimes, I think back to a time when getting dressed was fun. When I enjoyed piecing together outfits that reflected my personality. When I didn’t second-guess myself. I want to get back there someday, but for now, I try to remind myself that even the small victories matter.
Did I get dressed today? Yes. Did I step out into the world? Yes. Maybe it’s not the bold or expressive outfit I dream of wearing, but I showed up. And for someone dealing with anxiety and depression, that’s no small feat.
So, if you’re someone who also struggles to pick an outfit—or to do any seemingly simple task—know this: you’re not alone. And every step you take, no matter how small it feels, is a step forward. Maybe tomorrow, I’ll try something a little brighter, a little bolder. But if not, that’s okay too. Showing up is enough. You are enough.
xo B
