4 Ways To Cope With Mental Health In The Fashion Industry

Just like the saying, ‘All that glitters is not gold,’ the life of a fashion model is not all glamor, fun, and acing the runway. The hardships faced in the fashion industry are not taken lightly, as the pressure of perfection often tends to break the models. 

The highly stressed and competitive industry is not a cakewalk for many. Neglected for years has turned the culture of the fashion industry into a hub of mental illnesses like stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and post-traumatic disorders. 

Read also: How to Start a Modeling Career as a Male in India

To make a mark in this competitive industry, you will need to set yourself to be resilient, focused, and healing. Agitation for perfection, stress, anxiety and eating disorders come along in this demanding and high-stress environment. Here are a few strategies to help you cope with the weight of the modeling and fashion industry. 

Way to cope with mental health challenges in the fashion industry 

Mental health challenges block your path to success in the industry. The concept of weakness derails from the glamorous career, resulting in a pressurized circle plugging 25% of individuals with mental health issues. 

You can practice the following to overcome the bandages of work pressure and negativity of the media and public.

• Seek professional help: 
• Practice self-care
• Setting personal boundaries
• Seek out inclusivity 

Seek professional help: 

A psychologist can guide you to live a stress-free life. Therapy can be a helpful way to address and manage mental health challenges and develop coping skills. It can also provide a safe and supportive space to discuss your feelings and experiences.

It is essential to have a supportive network of people you can turn to when you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with your mental health. This could include friends, family, or a mental health professional.

Also read: How to Start a Modeling Career in Kolkata

Practice self-care

It’s important to take care of your physical and emotional well-being by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in activities you enjoy. 

Practice martial arts or work out on a regular basis. Physical exercise is proven to reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus, and develop a positive impact on your mental health. Even though engaging in martial arts, boxing, or any type of physical exercise is proven beneficial to one’s mental health, do not consider it a replacement for mental health treatment. It is always advisable to talk to a healthcare professional. 

Read more: Indian Fashion Models & Actors Who Already own NFT

Setting personal boundaries

Set boundaries and communicate your needs and limits to others to protect your mental health. This may involve saying no to specific opportunities or placing limits on your workload. Know your value and speak up about abusive behavior and cruelty. Prioritize your health and work your way around the antagonistic clutches of the industry. 

Seek out inclusivity 

Negligence toward mental health and its issues often turns into a breeding ground for it. Consult with an attorney before signing a contract. See that your prospective agency enforces a code of conduct that protects people’s jobs and reduces mistreatment. 

The designers and creatives of the industry need to be more inclusive of all shapes and sizes so that models are not forced to change their bodies. It not only helps the creatives to have a healthier mental state, but it also portrays healthy models to the general public rather than unrealistic, photoshopped images. 

Read also: Basics of Fashion Modeling

Time to take action 

Forcing oneself into the unhealthy norms of the fashion industry often leads to high rates of mental health illness. Destructive behaviors like eating disorders, drug abuse, and suicidal attempts are often overlooked in the glamour and fame of the industry. Despite the drawbacks, there isn’t any lack of models or creatives that aspire to thrive in the fashion industry. So, seeking professional help and maintaining your mental health with self-care and boundaries is the way to move forward