A thread on the women's forum, not specifically about MI, asks about the importance of women "looking pretty". Yes, I read it (for shame, right, since I'm a guy!). It raised some questions in my mind.

On the "standard" intake into a psych program, it's customary to ask questions about personal hygiene, such as "how often do you shower" etc. I know that people with certain challenges, such as depression, often have difficulty with appearance and grooming.

IMHO, one of the problems with acceptance of MI in this country is the public image, the stereotype, actually, of the dirty, disheveled, even homeless "crazy person" who cannot attend to personal hygiene at all, due to both medically induced inability (psychosis or whatever), plus lack of opportunity. Or, the image of the person, not homeless but in some level of treatment, in grubby sweats, disheveled hair, etc.

It is a public relations problem. It affects everyone with MH issues, but it is NOT the reality for most of us.

It is one of several issues that REALLY bothered me upon being sent to the hospital program. I found the questioning offensive, especially before getting there and meeting other patients who dealt with those issues, which gave me some more insight into the "why" it is asked.

After I was done there, one of my reforms was to upgrade my wardrobe and be "spot on" on grooming. I wasn't a slouch before, working a white collar job. But, business casual went away, full business suit and tie replaced that. I invested a bit in a fresh wardrobe and made sure I got my haircut every other week, rather than every 4 or 5. Made sure my beard was very neatly trimmed, always wore cologne, always color coordinated.

I don't think it's superficial or shallow to do this - I think it's important to project a good imagine, so the public perceives the millions of us as a regular part of society.