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Anxiety and clothing

Mental Health | Last Active: Sep 3, 2020 | Replies (22)

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@gingerw

@kennypowers69 Welcome to Mayo Connect. We are not medical doctors, however we do share our own experiences and struggles with the hope of helping others on their own journeys.

Unless you can live in a clothing-optional situation, this issue with fabric must be frustrating! I know that for me, wearing natural fibers as much as possible, really helps, except I don't like wool. There are some nice brushed cotton clothes. I usually buy things a size [at least!] larger than needed so I don't feel restricted, and will not wear anything crew neck, because it makes me feel like I am being choked. I found that washing my clothes in liquid detergent designed with no harsh chemicals, no dyes, no perfumes, helps. Drying clothes outside in the fresh air is nice if you can do it.

Have you thought about maybe your skin is real sensitive, rather than the material? Have you tried body washes designed for sensitive skin? In my experience, what works for me is liquid castle soap, and I have used it for decades! It cleans, doesn't leave a residue. Sometimes I use an unscented lotion.

I hope to hear from you again, and that you will let me know what you decide to do.
Ginger

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Replies to "@kennypowers69 Welcome to Mayo Connect. We are not medical doctors, however we do share our own..."

Thanks for the reply ginger. The one fabric I’ve found doesn’t bug me as much is polyester. I can’t stand cotton because I find it to be heavy or hot to wear. I have bad sweating issues so that almost makes any clothes uncomfortable to wear. I would love to be able to wear any type of clothing because it’s hard to limit yourself to only being able to wear one pair of clothes all the time. I don’t find any soaps or detergents to bother my skin. I believe it’s my anxiety that makes me think it’s tight or feel uncomfortable. I’d like to find clothing something in between a bit baggy but still fits good. There’s not many stores in my town to buy clothes so that makes it very difficult as well. I hope that helps answer some of your questions.