How to Get Dressed When You're Depressed

By Elisabeth Philip, Founder of Mind & Style Studio

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

And while the conversation around depression has come a long way, we still rarely talk about how it actually shows up—in daily life, in quiet moments, in the smallest, grittiest details.

Like getting dressed.

I spent the last eight years working almost exclusively with people struggling with depression. Hundreds of them. High-functioning professionals. College students. Parents. Retirees. People in grief. People in survival mode.

And here’s what I can tell you from that experience: When someone is severely depressed, getting dressed isn’t a simple act of personal style. It’s a monumental act of will.

When you're in that place, even basic self-care feels impossibly far away. The bed becomes an anchor. The mirror becomes a threat. The thought of choosing an outfit can feel absurd—like worrying about paint color when the house is on fire.

But still: it matters.

Not because your clothes will “fix” your depression. But because doing the hard thing—especially when you don’t feel like it—is one of the most evidence-based ways to interrupt its grip.

In clinical terms, it’s called behavioral activation: taking action before you feel better, because the action itself is what helps improve mood over time. And yes, getting dressed—intentionally, gently, without pressure—can be part of that.

So if you’re in it, or someone you love is in it, here’s what I’d offer:

Start with structure. Depression feeds on aimlessness. Try scheduling something in the morning—a coffee, a call, even just a walk. Give yourself a reason to get vertical.

Focus on comfort first. Don’t aim for “fashion.” Aim for something clean, soft, and supportive. Sweatpants are fine. Add a blazer if you want to feel grounded.

Treat hygiene like medicine. A shower, clean teeth, moisturizer—these are not luxuries. They’re lifelines.

Choose one intentional detail. Not for other people—for you. A pop of color, a favorite jacket, a scent. Something that reminds you you're still in there.

Track your patterns. Some people feel worst in the morning. Others in the afternoon. Pay attention. Dress in a way that respects where your energy lives—and where it leaves.

Don’t chase your old self. Dress for the version of you that’s trying. That’s enough.

Be patient, kind, and gentle with yourself. This will get better. There is hope. Don't isolate, and ask those around you to spend time with you and support you.

That’s what recovery often looks like—not grand breakthroughs, but small, repeated signals to yourself that you still matter.

And if you're in it right now: There is treatment. Real, evidence-based, compassionate help. Seeing a psychiatrist and a therapist is essential. No matter how long it’s been or how heavy it feels, depression is a treatable medical condition. It’s not your fault. It’s not a weakness. And you don’t have to do it alone.