If you suffer from social anxiety, you may see a psychiatrist to help you alleviate the symptoms you feel as you go out into public. One way to alleviate social anxiety on your own is by selecting certain clothing to help reduce the amount of anxiety you feel. Here are some articles you will want to incorporate into your favorite apparel selections, making them staples in helping you feel more at ease in social situations.

Sunglasses

There is a link between anxiety and vision problems. Many people who suffer from anxiety have distorted vision, making them feel more anxious if they are not wearing corrective lenses. Wearing prescription sunglasses will take away the vision problem while giving the person a darkened shield to hide behind as they are out in public. Bright lights will often exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety. Wearing sunglasses can help to reduce them.

Hats

Having a hat on your head can help hide your face from others, allowing you to feel more of a loner as you are doing your business in town. Find a floppy cloth hat that droops down over the sides of your face. Another helpful hat is a raccoon style hat, as it gives you a bit more privacy with ear flaps. At the very least, a baseball cap will help to calm you by keeping your face covered while giving you a bit of shade to help reduce anxiety as well.

Non-Restrictive Items

When selecting tops and bottoms to wear, stay away from items that feel too tight, as they can cause you to feel self-conscious of your appearance at inopportune times. Stick with looser selections so you remain at a comfortable level. If you wear high-heeled shoes, you may feel like others are watching you struggle to keep your footing. Stick with sneakers or flat-soled shoes to help keep your anxiety level low as you make your way around to do your tasks.

Second Layers

Many people with social anxiety disorders will try to wear clothing in plain colors so they blend in with a crowd, keeping others from paying attention to them. Wearing a coat, jacket, or sweatshirt can also give you the feeling of blending, as you can hide much of your body underneath this layer so you can tend to your activities without feeling as if others are watching what you look like or how you are acting. Contact someone about psychiatry counseling if your anxiety is interrupting your normal life.