DOES SOCIAL ANXIETY SABOTAGE PERSONAL STYLE ?

 

Staring into your wardrobe? Overwhelmed with the decision of what to wear? You find yourself wondering, “Would they laugh at my dressing?” or “Will they think I look out of place?”. Ever wondered why some people wear hoodies even with the hot weather outside? It’s not always about comfort for them, it’s about safety. The oversized hoodie isn't just clothing but an armor that hides shaking hands, and uneasy eyes. “They find ways to shy away from people's glance”, because a glance from people might lead to them fainting. Such dressing habits make such persons to be preserved unconfident. All these are caused by what is called social anxiety.

• Do I have a personal style?
• How do I know I have Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)?
• How does Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) affect Personal Style & Styling?
• How do I prevent my Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) from affecting my personal style?

According to the WHO - World Health Organisation, Anxiety disorders are the world’s most common mental disorders, affecting 301 million people in 2019 with an estimated 4% of the global population currently experiencing it, making it the most common of all mental disorders. Its symptoms have onset during childhood or adolescence, but approximately 1 in 4 people with anxiety disorders receive treatment for this condition. This mental issue interferes with its victims' daily activities which impairs their family, social and school or working life. The condition reflects in the person's fashion choice, which is why it's important to talk about it. Let's ask ourselves “What if dressing could be the first step toward overcoming this phobia?” This post will explore the connection between personal styling and social anxiety disorder.

Do I have a personal style?

Personal style is the unique way a person finds expression through clothing and appearance which reflects the person's individual taste and character. The intentional process of selecting clothing that reflects an individual’s personality, lifestyle, and self-expression is what is called personal styling. It’s not just about wearing trendy outfits, it’s about curating a wardrobe that aligns with who you are. It has a lot to do with confidence, identity, and personal storytelling through fashion.

One’s personal style is a visual representation of who they are, which is their personality. Styling allows you to embrace your uniqueness and showcase your individuality without saying a word. Personal styling boosts confidence by helping you discover clothing that makes you feel powerful, comfortable, and authentic. Just the right outfit can transform how you feel. You walk taller, speak clearer, and interact more freely. Confidence in one’s outfit ultimately translates into confidence in one's presence.

How do I know I have Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)?

Social anxiety also known as Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a mental health condition marked by intense fear of being judged, watched, or embarrassed in social situations. It was first introduced in psychological theory by Joseph Wolpe in the 1950s, who explored phobic anxiety and behavioral reactions. The concept was later structured clinically by Dr. Michael Liebowitz in 1985, who developed the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) still widely used today to assess the severity of the disorder. Social anxiety develops from a combination of genetics, brain chemistry, and personal or social experiences such as bullying, harsh criticism, or public embarrassment.

People with social anxiety experience emotional symptoms such as: Intense fear of being judged or embarrassed, feeling of being watched or scrutinized, low self-esteem, fear of rejection or humiliation. They also experience behavioural symptoms which are: Avoiding social situations or events, difficulty initiating conversations, speaking softly or avoiding eye contact, and nervous habits (fidgeting, stammering). These symptoms can vary in intensity and can interfere with everyday life, including school, work, or personal relationships.

Most times people have social anxiety experiencing its symptoms, but never know because they haven't been diagnosed. Diagnosed Social Anxiety Disorder refers to individuals who experience persistent fear and avoidance of social situations that affect their daily life, including work, school, or personal relationships, and have been formally evaluated by a mental health professional and meet the clinical criteria for social anxiety disorder. Undiagnosed Social Anxiety refers to individuals who may not have received a formal diagnosis. These individuals might still struggle with social situations and feel anxious, but they haven’t been assessed or diagnosed by a mental health professional.

How does Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) affect Personal Style & Styling?

People with social anxiety intentionally dress to avoid attention. They settle for dull colors and oversized clothing that make them anonymous and not stand out just to avoid judgment. They overthink their outfit choices because of the fear of being judged: “What would people say if I wear this?”. To them, even the simplest fashion decisions can become overwhelming. They battle with thoughts like “Will this make me look awkward?”, “Are people going to stare?”. The fear of negative perception overshadows their choice of outfit and never gives room for expression through their personal style. 

They have bad wardrobe choices due to their anonymous lifestyle, buying clothes that never reflect their unique style. Imagine spending hours picking an outfit, trying on multiple options, but still disliking them all, and end up choosing not to go out at all. The pressure to look good turns into a daily task and an emotional stress.

Based on the fear of being judged in social settings, people with SAD step out with outfits they don’t like. This frequent action kills their confidence and they begin to internalize the idea that they can’t “look good” or that they “don’t have style.” Unconsciously, they indulge in self-judgment which breeds insecurity that affects their self-esteem negatively.

How do I prevent my Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) from affecting my personal style?

With personal style serving as a powerful medium for self-expression, allowing individuals to convey their identity and creativity, social anxiety is seen as a threat creating apprehension and self-doubt in the individual. The fear of judgment or standing out may lead to a preference for bad choice of outfit, creating a poor personal expression. Balancing the desire to express oneself through fashion with the challenges posed by social anxiety requires an effective approach and implementation strategies.

First, confront and reframe irrational thoughts about others' judgments. Recognize that most people are preoccupied with their own concerns and are less likely to focus on your appearance than you might assume. Whether diagnosed or undiagnosed with SAD, if you experience the symptoms discussed in this post, make out time to engage with a therapist skilled in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), who can provide tools to manage social anxiety effectively. CBT focuses on identifying and altering negative thought patterns, fostering healthier coping mechanisms. Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing which help manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, promoting a calmer state of mind in social situations. Gradually expose yourself to social environments which can reduce the occurrence of anxiety triggers and build resilience. Educating yourself about social anxiety by understanding the nature and triggers of social anxiety fosters self-awareness and aids in developing personalized coping strategies. Accept that it's natural to have concerns about others' perceptions but prioritize your own comfort and authenticity. Celebrating small victories in expressing your style can bolster self-esteem. Lastly, adopt accessories and outfits that align with your personal style, this allows for a gradual expression of your personality without overwhelming yourself; it builds confidence over time.

Choose clothing that not only reflects your style but also ensures comfort. Feeling at ease in your attire can alleviate self-consciousness and reduce anxiety in social settings. Navigating personal style amidst social anxiety is a journey that intercepts self-expression with self-care. By implementing gradual changes, challenging negative thoughts, and seeking support, you can cultivate a wardrobe that authentically represents you without compromising your mental well-being. Remember, fashion is not only about external appearances but about feeling confident and true to oneself. Embracing your unique style can be best step toward overcoming social anxiety and fostering a more fulfilling social experience.