Getting dressed for most people is natural, it’s routine, it’s something you just do everyday. For some though it’s a burden, a chore and just all too hard. People who suffer varying levels of depression can find the ‘everyday’ tasks too hard and end up giving up. They can give up on personal hygiene, getting dressed and even eating properly. In short they give up on themselves.
This is where getting dressed can help though. Frocking up can give us purpose, a reason to get out and be amongst people. Even the act of preparing an outfit (ironing) can help change how a person views themselves. That’s right because the simple act of ironing an outfit so that it’s presentable means that you give a damn, you respect yourself enough.
I’ve seen clothes literally change how a woman holds herself, I’ve seen them induce smiles and I’ve seen how clothes can change a persons perception of others…others like you.
Putting on a well fitting outfit with a little colour and maybe a few accessories can transform a person from the inside out. Sometimes there’s days when we gotta fake it til we make it and in my experience when I’m having a crappy mental health day if I get dressed and add some lippy it can be the push that I need to get me out the door and experiencing life.
Below is a pic of me about to head out the door to a fundraiser evening, I was in the THICK of chemo treatment and this was one of my worst days. Crap I was so freakin sick that day but my husbands cousin was speaking at the fundraiser about his head injury accident and I really wanted to support him, so I frocked up and put on my face. It didn’t take away the pain or side effects but it did help me to feel like I could face the world. The last pic is me half an hour before putting on makeup, drawing on my brows and doing my hair (LOL)
I’m not saying that frocking up can cure depression I’m just saying that having a purpose to get out the door can help. Wearing colour can help. Attracting a compliment or two can help. Feeling put together instead of dishevelled can help…it all helps.
Next time you’re feeling a bit blue instead of giving in remember the feeling a great outfit can give you, get dressed, smile and get out there and kick ass.
Til next time,
Jen x
If you need professional help or someone to talk to then please call
Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36
Lifeline 13 11 14
Val says
January 13, 2015 at 6:08 pmthank you for your lovely blogs….i don’t know you personally….I have a friend whose daughter is a close friend of Sonya……so have got to follow you both….meds are helping my depression and I am getting on with my life….you seem so brave and bright and I love your fashion pics…..both you and Son inspire me…..best wishes Jen……..Val
Jenni says
January 13, 2015 at 6:25 pmOh Val thanks for reading and saying ‘Hello’. 🙂
Here’s to brighter days lovely, the black dog sometimes barks and bites but hopefully today he’s in his kennel. xx
Val says
January 13, 2015 at 6:34 pmAnd not being patted by me !! I have Chloe ,my twelve yr old Pom/sihutzu who guards me…..LOL
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
January 13, 2015 at 6:15 pmMy mum has always told me, that there’s no feeling like putting your “face on” and looking your best, no matter how bad you feel. It’s like an instant pick me up, isn’t it? I love that you practise what you preach. Inspiring stuff!
Jenni says
January 13, 2015 at 6:27 pmTrue Sammie, I put my face on not for others, but for me. My son would always give me raised eyebrow look when I drew the eyebrows on a bit wonky…like colouring outside the lines with a Crayola LOL. x
Ann says
January 13, 2015 at 7:58 pmWhat a great read this evening. Not that I have gone through anything like you, but I am having some difficulty with my health at the moment {hoping for some answers on the 22nd of this month with my first visit to the specialist}, but there are days where I manage to have a shower and spray some perfume and that is all..no hair washed and done, no makeup..some times the pain is too consuming and all I want to do is lie down..
But you are right, I need to do the best for me..my hubby is a darling and always says I am fine just as I am, bless him, but I know I always feel better when I am done up and more confident…so I will remember your words, when I “can’t be bothered”..See, you inspire so many of us..me for one..xx <3
Jenni says
January 13, 2015 at 10:16 pmAwesome Ann! You got this!
Good luck with your appointment.xx
SOnia says
January 13, 2015 at 8:06 pmJen sometimes I seriously wonder if you live inside my head. When I’m in a black dog phase the last thing I want to do is get in the shower, get dressed or face the world and even if I have to leave the house, it’s usually wearing something unwashed, crumpled, frumpy or drab. Cleaning my teeth, washing my face or brushing my hair is optional and I basically feel like crap from the inside out. Having a shower, ironing a shirt, shaving your legs and popping on some lippy is the equivalent of a month’s worth of anti depressants for me and makes such a difference to my head space. xx
Jenni says
January 13, 2015 at 10:15 pmOh Sonia, thanks Hun. I know the spectrum of depression is varied but wether you’re a bit blue or being bitten by the dog sometimes these things can help. When I went through treatment seeing my drawn on brows or a bit of colour on my face made me feel like I could walk outside and face the world. Coffee soon sonia! Xx
Alison says
January 14, 2015 at 7:56 amI’ve just ‘found’ you via Instagram and its funny how the universe directs you to what you need. You’ve given me a bit of a kick up the bum, and while ill never be a big wearer of makeup, I get what you’re saying about flocking up. The to stop feeling sorry for myself and get out there!! All the best x
Jenni says
January 14, 2015 at 10:16 amOh thanks Alison and welcome! It might not be makeup…maybe a bobby pin or some perfume 🙂 it’s about those small things that cumulatively can have impact. X
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy says
January 14, 2015 at 1:09 pmwhat a beautiful post!
Jenni says
January 14, 2015 at 1:42 pmThanks Caralyn x
Bev from Iris May Style says
January 15, 2015 at 7:30 amThose fabulous eyes of yours never lost their sparkle, even on your darkest days. Your spirit truly inspires me Jenni. I’m a big fan xx Fantastic post.
Jenni says
January 15, 2015 at 9:43 amBev next time I’m in Queensland we need to schedule a long lunch and have some fun xx