Inside Fashion’s Enduring Mental Health Epidemic | BoF

The Fashion Industry's Mental Health Crisis

This article explores the pervasive mental health issues within the fashion industry, highlighting the negative impacts of long working hours, low pay, and intense competition. Numerous individuals share their experiences of stress, anxiety, and depression stemming from their work environments.

Industry Practices and Their Consequences

The article points out that while some progress has been made with lawsuits against companies for unpaid internships, the problem persists. The shift towards a fast-fashion model with constant drops and capsule collections exacerbates the pressure, leading to a toxic work culture and fear of job loss for employees who speak up about their mental health struggles. Low salaries, particularly for entry-level positions and interns, are highlighted as a major contributing factor.

• Entry-level fashion designers in the UK earn between £23,400 and £24,300 annually, while in the US, the average is $41,009.
• Numerous lawsuits, such as those against Condé Nast and The Row, have brought unpaid internships to public attention and resulted in settlements, but the practice persists.

The article emphasizes that financial instability forces people to tolerate unacceptable working conditions, leading to long-term physical and mental health problems like sleep deprivation.

Social Media's Role

The article also highlights the detrimental effects of social media on mental health, with its contribution to anxiety and the perpetuation of a glamorous yet lonely industry image.

A Shifting Culture?

While acknowledging challenges, the article points towards potential shifts with Gen Z entering the workforce, showing greater willingness to openly discuss mental health concerns and a growing effort to improve protections for freelancers. However, it also warns against complacency and the importance of sustained efforts to address these issues.