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Spending an hour in Sephora is my newest obsession. The makeup emporium has now opened on Fifth Avenue at 48th Street, around the corner from my psychiatrist. The expression "retail therapy" aptly describes the pick-me-up I get from poring over the goods in this store after I exit his office.

We can do even little things to make ourselves feel better, "endorsing" the efforts we make in our recovery. Of course, I am not suggesting everyone go into debt to look good.

Early on in my recovery, when I was looking for full-time work, I was a big fan of a lipstick called Fado. The word is Portuguese for a type of melancholy song. Ironically, it lifted me up. I was no longer in mourning over the years I lost to the illness. I wore the lipstick religiously. It was something of a good-luck charm. I was wearing it on the interview that led to my first job.

It may seem frivolous to spend money on cosmetics. However, I consider it a necessity not a luxury. I want to look good because then I feel competent to meet the demands of real life. Whatever occasion comes my way, I know I'll be prepared for it.

I believe each of us gives a performance everyday of our lives, whether at the food market, on the job, or in any interaction with another person. Demeanor is not just how a person looks, though it is how she composes herself in response to the trials of life.

When I'm dressed well, have a good haircut and look appropriate for the situation—that's when I feel the most comfortable. This allows me to take risks in my life. As a human being, I'm always going to feel vulnerable. Yet somehow, if I toss on perfectly cut wool trousers and a turtleneck, I feel like I'm in power.

Truly, it's the little things we do that transform our perception of ourselves. The changes do not have to be dramatic to have a lasting impact on our self-esteem. One instant boost in the morning, for me, is to apply red lipstick. If I'm running late or don't feel like doing my face, I can wipe this color on confidently, knowing I'm ready for anything.

Fire Down Below by NARS is my new favorite lipstick. My friend Stella thinks it looks good on me—natural not screaming. As a female psychiatric consumer, I'm hyper-aware of making a good impression. I refuse to sexualize my message yet I won't put myself down by appearing ill-groomed.

True beauty isn't skin deep. It comes from the inside. Are you a loving, giving person to others? Then treat yourself that way. Take a chance on yourself. You'll like what you see.