Anxiety and clothing

Posted by kennypowers69 @kennypowers69, Aug 28, 2020

I’ve been suffering from severe anxiety and a mild case of ocd for the better part of my life. I have this one specific issue where all types of clothing bug me, whether it’s the texture of the material or the tightness of it. I’m not sure what to do about it anymore because I can’t find a doctor that can tell me why I have these issues with clothes. If anyone has some ideas out there on how to control/fix the issue I would love to hear them, thank you.

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As I said, I have had this since I was 7yrs. I also go toward the negative and that is what you must try not to do. Very very dificult. Maybe play some muisic and try not to think...

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Funny that you say that because I’ve been playing guitar my whole life and love music, definitely can make me break away from reality and feel a bit better. Also went and bought a couple clothes today. Still need to eventually go out and get some more but taking one step at a time. Rushing into it will just be too much at one time. In the next few months I’ll go out and get some more. I’ll finally be taking that first big step I need to make myself better.

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@kennypowers69

Funny that you say that because I’ve been playing guitar my whole life and love music, definitely can make me break away from reality and feel a bit better. Also went and bought a couple clothes today. Still need to eventually go out and get some more but taking one step at a time. Rushing into it will just be too much at one time. In the next few months I’ll go out and get some more. I’ll finally be taking that first big step I need to make myself better.

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@kennypowers69 Good for you, and good for you for doing small steps! What genre of music do you play, or like? I am envious of those who handle a musical instrument. Like you, I also love music of all kinds. No need to rush into buying clothes ;))
Ginger

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My favourite types are 80s hair metal bands which seem very strange for a 22 year old to enjoy lol. I can also play both the electric and acoustic guitar, but am lately playing the acoustic the most. It just has a prettier sound when you play it.

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Just an update from yesterday, I ended up returning the clothes because it was bugging me when I got home having them in my house for some weird reason(this occasion has happened more than once). Even woke up at 3 in the morning with it still running through my head. I’m not sure what to do anymore, I feel like I’ve tried all my options. I wish I could just see a bit of light through the darkness to push through. I have no friends anymore because they either mocked me for my mental illness or just straight up decided I wasn’t worth their time. So it’s hard for me to make new friends because I feel like I’ll get burnt like I have plenty of times. I feel like i don’t have anyone and loneliness is one of the worst things a person can suffer from.

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What does your current doctor say about this?

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@mattie

I will bet it is your nerves. I cannot stand wool or anything rough or scratchy. I lik soft cotton like sweats, hoiwever. Nothing heavy.Guess I have sp,e claustrpphobia also. I went through about5 or 6 psy. no good no help. One did tell me to work, and it helped. Sometimes a regular DO can help you better withoug\t heavy drugs. I believe you need to learn to relax and get calmer for a bit and slowly talk yourseld into the idea that whatever clothing you like will feel good on your skin. Touch it,talk to yourself positively, and again and again . It is amazing what the brain can do and you can teach your brain. Dont be in a rush.

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As a retired Massage Therapist, I can say this; wherever your brain goes, your body follows. I like the above response because it offers you a new window of thought that may be more helpful than anything else. For me, Yoga...gentle Yoga has helped me get a better mind body connection. It has made a huge difference in my life! I wish you every happiness and gentle ease in your life.

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Kenny, why did you really return the clothes? You cpuld have kept them and tried to "befriend" them. Try not to give in to those thoughts and feelings. It is your thoughts and you control your thinking...you can, you know. Tell those feelings to go to uknow and be strong.Talk yourself up to YOU.

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@sears

What does your current doctor say about this?

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I don’t really know how to answer this question because I’ve had a couple doctors who just didn’t seem to care and had very bad bed side manners. At times saying some inappropriate things. So not really sure I guess I don’t have doctor and it’s very difficult in the area I live in to get one.

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@mattie

Kenny, why did you really return the clothes? You cpuld have kept them and tried to "befriend" them. Try not to give in to those thoughts and feelings. It is your thoughts and you control your thinking...you can, you know. Tell those feelings to go to uknow and be strong.Talk yourself up to YOU.

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I guess I give into the feelingS because I feel better after I return them. I feel great going out and getting things because it makes me feel like I accomplished something big but than when I get home i usually just get rid of them because it starts to eat at me the feeling of having them. This happens every time I try to venture out and accomplish this big task. I Wish I could find a way to calm myself and not give in so easily. But I’m a very impatient person so it’s a very hard thing to do.

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