[Sesiley]

I keep wanting to tan and get my nails done. It's just a lot of work, bit it would definitely mean that I took care of myself more....in a way

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Yes, definitely. My level of attention to my appearance tends to mirror how bad my depression is. I've been slowly improving over the past few months and am wanting to start paying more attention to my appearance. I have financial issues getting in the way of this, but I plan to do as much as I can.

I think it's good to examine whatever money we're considering spending on our appearance and make sure that we're not taking money away from other things that might help our mood more.

I'm not one of those people who thinks how we look is not important, though. I do think that people are different as far as how much value they place on their appearance. I know people who are very healthy psychologically and emotionally but place very little value on their appearance.

Other people naturally find themselves wanting to make themselves look better when they feel better. That's how I am.

I would just say to be careful with the tanning from the point of skin cancer risk. Please!

[(JD)]

Of course! But I wouldn't do the tanning as that's harmful...

Getting up and getting dressed each day, putting on makeup or such does help psychologically (especially if someone comes to the door!)

[*Laurie*]

Absolutely. And especially in our highly capitalist culture, it's very easy to believe that spending $ to 'self-improve' will make us feel better. 'I'll go get my nails done and buy a new shirt' - yep! I feel better for a while!

In some cultures, going to temple and meditating might be more appealing than making changes to our appearance.