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What Colour is Anxiety?

Published in Psychology of Color 2 mins read

Anxiety is often associated with the colour grey.

While anxiety is an emotion and doesn't inherently have a color, studies and personal experiences suggest color associations. The study mentioned in the references points to grey as being most often linked with anxious or depressed moods. This association likely stems from the connotations of grey, such as:

  • Lack of Vibrancy: Grey is often seen as a dull and lifeless color, mirroring the draining feeling of anxiety.
  • Neutrality and Uncertainty: Grey can represent a lack of clarity and indecisiveness, reflecting the uncertainty and worry that accompany anxiety.
  • Emotional Numbness: Grey can sometimes be associated with a sense of being emotionally flat or numb, which some people experience during periods of anxiety.

However, it's crucial to remember that color association is subjective and varies from person to person. Other colors sometimes linked to anxiety include:

  • Yellow: While often associated with happiness, certain shades of yellow can evoke feelings of unease or fear.
  • Dark Colours: Dark blues, purples, or blacks might be associated with feelings of sadness, isolation, or dread, which are all components of anxiety for some people.

Ultimately, the "color of anxiety" is personal and depends on individual experiences and cultural background. The perception of color and its relation to emotions is nuanced and complex.

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