We all know someone who we tease for being fanatical about their love for clothes. Their day, from sunrise to sunset, revolves around choosing outfits, changing outfits, talking about clothes and thinking about clothes. If they felt the same way about drugs as they did about clothes, their life would be at risk. Fortunately, an addiction to clothes poses no immediate danger (other than to your savings account), however, any addiction is considered mentally unhealthy and should be eliminated. It is a question of optimal mental health; if you have begun to value clothes at a level higher than your relationships and your responsibilities, you are not achieving optimal mental health.
Clothing is frequently thought of as a harmless thing to be addicted to, but friends and family of a true clothing addict would tend to say otherwise. The obsessive, neurotic behavior over clothing becomes more than they can handle. Clothing addicts spend a great deal of time inside their closets and in front of mirrors, trying to match every small occasion to the perfect outfit. Their hobbies, interests and conversations always revolve around clothes, and the time, money and energy they put into maintaining them does not allow them enough resources to focus on the other areas of their lives. This can lead to failed relationships, poor work or school performances and even a decline in health if the problem is severe enough.\r\n\r\nThose who have recognized a clothing addiction with themselves, or have been confronted about it by someone else, are advised by mental health professionals to seek mental health guidance in order to bring their lives back into balance. Inpatient rehabilitation is extreme for such a mild addiction, but support forums and self-help literature come highly recommended. An obsession with clothes can be a reflection of deeper mental issues that can become legitimately harmful if left unattended to.
A severe clothes addiction can warrant addiction counseling or support groups, so if you are clothing addicted, do not hesitate to reach out for help.