The distinction between online searching and ‘cyberstalking’ is a little-known divide: we all speak of ‘stalking’ our ex, browsing their social platforms more than we should, but where do we draw the line between healthy and toxic?

Julie Spira, online dating expert and bestselling author (The Perils of Cyber-Dating) helps us understand the concepts of ‘cyberstalking’, something she began by defining as ‘any activity directed at someone to frighten or intimidate them online’.

A person can be cyberstalked via email, text messages, harassing and harmful social media comments, and even threaten them in these messages, even if they have no intention of following through on the threats.

We are all guilty of background researching people we don’t know – it’s hard not to in an age where everything we need to know is at our fingertips. But this isn’t ‘cyberstalking’: the difference is in intent. From your experience, what have you found to be the most common intention behind cyberstalking? When explaining the concept, Julie emphasized the importance of motive, the common reasons why somebody engages in ‘cyberstalking’:

Many of the victims of cyberstalking are harassed due to being rejected on a date or by someone obsessed with the person, even if they’ve never met. Perhaps they look similar to another person they knew, or one harbored more romantic feelings than the other. 

Although today our privacy can seem intangible, the effects of harassment leave much deeper and lasting impacts than it takes for the ‘stalker’ to infiltrate into our personal sphere. The thin seal of protection between us and a ‘cyberstalker’ (and the unsettling ease with which we often feel contactable and traceable) grants the perpetrator a harrowing omnipotence, the effects of which spark what Julie referenced as ‘an ongoing sense of fear’. What do you see to be the most damaging effects of this behavior, are there any major emotional risks? 

It’s a significant cause of stress because the person being digitally stalked never knows when the following message will appear. A cyberstalker might only direct communications at you privately, or they can go public with it to damage your reputation.

It is the anonymity of this process, the uncomfortable juxtaposition in the perpetrator’s levels of power despite their lack of presence that induces such fear and stress. Ironically, the invention which has given us so much power, individuality and independence (social media) is the very thing that threatens this. The lack of identity and multidimensionality which so many of us flourish from holds the power to diminish our security and safety.

Often the person being cyberstalked, will not know the true identity of the person harassing them because they’ll contact them as an alias or use multiple email addresses and phone numbers. The person will claim to love them at first, then switch to hating them, and often make up a list of lies about them to induce fear. 

But it would be naïve to blame social channels for the rise of ‘cyberstalking’. Whilst the title does seamlessly link the two, the core of ‘cyberstalking’ seems to lie within a deeper, more psychological reason. In response to our asking ‘do you think cyberstalking is a product of our times (i.e., resultant from the freedom of information online and the easier access into people’s life) or do you  feel it is a reflection of our times (i.e., our social media habits creating an inability to move on from relationships?’ Julie explained the multifaceted, and often personal, motivations behind the behavior of cyberstalkers.  

Some cyberstalkers’ intent could be romantic rejection or just the ability to create a different persona with someone hiding behind the keyboard. If the person stalking someone online hasn’t met them, chances are they’re cyberstalking multiple people to see if they can get a reaction from them, and it’s a pattern of behavior they’ve had for a long time. 

Again, ‘intent’ is highlighted as an important factor between what people call ‘stalking’ your ex and ‘cyberstalking’. Is there ever a right time/situation to reach out to your ex? 

Reaching out to an ex during COVID-19 to make sure they’re OK was very common, and if it’s done out of sincere concern, it’s acceptable to connect. The same holds true for birthdays and holidays. Typically, if someone reaches out to an ex on Valentine’s Day, it’s because they have fond memories of their previous relationship or could be lonely if they’re without a partner. 

In order to distinguish between the two, it is important you have an honest conversation with yourself. As Julie explains, it is important that you understand your motivation for contacting your ex, your emotional reasoning behind getting in touch: How do you understand your intentions, and distinguish between the good and the bad? How can you tell whether your ‘cyberstalking’ behavior is positive (healthy and naturally inquisitive) or negative (intrusive and obsessive)? 

If someone reaches out to an ex with the intent of rekindling the spark, and the feelings aren’t reciprocated, it’s possible the person being rejected could continue to contact you. In this case, they might tell you that you blew it and will spend the rest of your life alone, to cause you emotional harm. More often, it’s just to connect, and the person harassing you didn’t have a serious relationship with you, only a fantasy that you were a perfect match. 

But, this is easier said than done! At the best of times, our feelings towards our ex-partner are messy and complicated so how can we adopt such a concise attitude? How do we act normal? How should we interpret our ex reaching out to us, is it always rooted in selfish intentions or can it be a genuine olive branch? If so, how can we tell the difference? 

Couples often get back together after a long period apart. Perhaps the timing was off, or maybe they realized you were the one who got away. If the feelings are mutual, you might want to revisit communicating and meeting with them. If an ex is contacting you and it makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, you should firmly let them know you appreciate their call. Still, if you don’t think reconciliation is a good idea, gracefully wish them the best. 

Although the term ‘cyberstalking’ may immediately connote images of your ex’s Instagram page, do not get confused between healthy and the toxic behaviour. If you think you’re engaging in harmful – ‘cyberstalking’ – behaviour, make a conscious effort to reframe your perspective and actions. Is there ever a good time to ‘cyberstalk’ your ex? And if so, are there ever any benefits to it, for example does it aid closure or acceptance?  

There is never a good time to cyberstalk anyone, especially your ex. If you’re looking for closure, don’t count on your ex to help you with your quest. I recommend writing a closure letter and sending it to yourself. 

Breakups are inevitable, and closure conversations never go well. When your relationship is over, your ex won’t serve as your leaning board to help you move on from your relationship. I suggest enlisting

the help of a friend or a therapist to help you while you’re hurting emotionally after the end of a relationship. 

The key takeaway here is to remember the dividing line. Remember that your actions – your behavior, your social media presence, your dress sense, your social disposition, your past decisions – to not place blame for being ‘cyberstalked’. As with most victimisations, the fault does not lie within the victim, it lies within the perpetrator. Life is scary; ‘cyberstalking’ is one of the terrifying incidents we all hope never to experience.

What can we do if we feel we are being cyberstalked and it is negatively affecting our life? 

If you’re feeling cyberstalked and know the person, kindly ask them to stop. If they continue to harass you, ignore them, block them on social media, and from receiving emails and phone calls. Hopefully, being out of sight will result in being out of mind. 

What can we do if we feel like our cyberstalking habits have got beyond our control and are negatively affecting our life? 

If you’re being cyberstalked, let your friends and neighbors know. If you’re the one who is initiating the cyberstalking behavior, I suggest going to a professional therapist to help you eliminate this destructive behavior from your life. 

The most important thing? Keeping safe and alert.

Words By Hannah Emery

The post Cyberstalking: Explained By Julie Spira, Online Dating Expert And Bestselling Author appeared first on Voir Fashion.

^{(Content Warning: mentions suicide)}

The villainous nature of the media has been more apparent than ever in the last few months. With #FreeBritney, Meghan Markle’s Oprah interview, and the recent documentary on Caroline Flack’s life and death, discussions about the Press’s part in the downfall and pain of famous women are growing, as they should – could this be the reckoning of tabloids as we know them?

The press has been a strong force in culture, politics and just about everything for the last half a century, and gossip mags and tabloid publications more so in the last quarter, but despite our guilty pleasure for a bit of juicy gossip, it’s always been an obviously harmful thing. One clear epitome in the 2000s was Jade Goody, a celebrity born out of Big Brother, who was constantly raised up and shot down by the UK tabloids in a rollercoaster of vilification revolving around her appearance, education, and background.

We can look back now and think about the almost sadistic actions of the paparazzi and press, but they are no different from what still goes on. Just typing “Meghan Vs. Kate Media” into Google will give you thousands of examples of the world taking a disliking to ridiculous levels, whole headlines and pages dedicated to condemning a woman for the smallest things within the public eye. A significant takeaway from Harry and Meghan’s Oprah interview was Meghan’s reveal of suicidal thoughts at the hand of brutal media coverage, showing just how far the press’s impact goes.

For Caroline Flack, the same effects had a devastating result; the presenter committed suicide at the beginning of last year, following the cruelty of publications during a court case. Hounded and scrutinized by the media for years, the press’ hunt proved too much, and the weeks after her death showed loving tribute’s to Flack, spouted out by the very same magazines.

The media have even come under fire in recent weeks for their part in the current discrimination against East Asians in the ignorant association with Covid-19, with pictures of China and East Asians set as the token image for articles about coronavirus, perpetuating this Covid-related hate crime. If there’s one thing that this shows, it’s the ignorance and lack of awareness the press have of their own impact. Outraged by this irresponsibility, petitions and projects have been planned to hold these publications accountable, publications as omnipresent as the BBC and The Guardian.

In a period of growing self-awareness, solidarity, and open reprimand of cruelty and offense, it’s shocking that these forces of vilification haven’t been stopped or made to answer for their words and actions already. But with conversation growing, and gossip columns and tabloids becoming more and more disapproved of, there is more chance than ever for this horrible cycle to stop.

Words By Daisy Greetham, Graphics By Millie Pollok

The post Is This The Reckoning Of Harmful Press? appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Depression is not an easy thing to face; it is overwhelming, isolating, heart-breaking, uncontrollable, unexplainable, painful, life changing. But … ‘digital’?

Currently, ‘Digital’ and ‘Depression’ are two words that are now synonymous with each other. A study undertaken by the American Psychological Association found a rapid increase in the rates of adults (aged 18-25) reporting depression, following the rise of social media and technology: a 63% increase from 2009 – 2017. Psychologists term this correlation ‘Digital Depression’. Whilst it can be comforting to feel psychologically seen and understood, the danger which is woven into this narrative is that Generation-Z and Millennials are ‘seen’ in the wrong light. To tie a mental health struggle so fiercely with a generation is to unnecessarily oversimplify and isolate an already difficult experience. The narrative must change.

The media speaks with such a loud voice that we convince ourselves that they are the words of truth and reason. We subsequently self-diagnose, statement and explain ourselves with carefully curated words from the screens of journalists reading spreadsheets. But the media industry is not the target here; the climate and consequences of it is. The relationship between us (the reader) and the media’s reporting of ‘Digital Depression’ has the power to portion blame, convincing us ‘digital natives’ that our lifestyle, particularly our interaction with social media and communication, is the reason for struggles with mental health. In turn, the validity of our struggle is lessened, and we become both the victim and the perpetrator: our battle is therefore self-inflicted, we invite the soul-destroying hurt, we are simultaneously the problem, the reason and the explanation.

This isn’t true. Mental health is not your fault. You are not alone or to blame.

The Gen-Z and Millennial generation is bold, ambitious and powerful. They have loudened their voice, they fight for their beliefs, they are open and honest and loving in a way no previous generation has mastered so fluidly. For the Gen-Z and Millennials, the world (read social media) is their stage; it is an invaluable platform, a meaningful connection, a megaphone into a crowd of like-minded people. Yet today is never as good as the old days, is it? ‘Back in the day, without the internet’, ‘we weren’t as sad at this’, ‘we were kids’, ‘we had a better, happier life’, ‘we didn’t know what depression was’ [quote, the older generation]. The correlation between ‘digital’ and ‘depression’, and the subsequent psychological interpretations, are important and informative but they overlook the role of the digital in our lives today.

By defining something as concisely as is done here, we automatically search for a solution which doesn’t exist. Having grown up within an age of rapidly growing digital connection, our existence has become intricately entwined with our online presence. Having social media is consistently expected: job applications on LinkedIn, employer background searches on Facebook, staying in touch with family and friends on Instagram; keeping up to date with the world on Twitter. The ‘Digital Depression’ articles overlook our society’s (wanted or unwanted) dependency on being online, disregarding the tangibility between ‘normality’ and a presence on the internet. Perhaps going off-grid, deleting accounts and being traceable only by letter would equal a happier healthier life similar to that in pre digitalisation, but today it wouldn’t. And this is what the media headlines neglect to acknowledge.

Social media is a path which runs through our life, our job being to reach a position where we can – mentally – walk on the right side of it. It is crucial to know that our screen time (the number of hours you spend online) is not responsible for the statistics, it is instead our interaction with it. Whilst the spreadsheets emphasis how social media exacerbates depression – think example FOMO, self-comparison, bullying, addiction, reduced self-worth – it neglects the positives within the cultural transformation. Our expanded social interaction maintains connections which can minimalise isolation and loneliness, provide an outlet from anxiety and gives a voice to combat feelings of helplessness. The media headlines overlook the lifeline which the digital has given so many young people.

Developing a healthy relationship with ourselves pre-cursors the reduction of ‘Digital Depression’. Likened by psychologists to sugar, the key to overcoming this ‘illness’ is to regulate it as you would sweets. To completely stop sugar intake, to go off grid, is not a long-term solution. Social media detoxes work wonders in providing a break and mental refresh but, if permanent, you will inevitably lack other things. Work with, not against, yourself. Work to embody a healthier perspective on social media, think about your personal habits and moderation, create the platform you want. The number of followers likes, and comments used to intoxicate our self-worth, encouraging us to judge ourselves against beautiful people under filters and photoshop. Yes, it can be fun to experiment and create new images so if it gives you pleasure then why not; if it doesn’t, move out of this mindset. Gen-Z and Millennials are learning to embrace authenticity, striving for openness and praising universality and individuality. We need to remember and grow with this; depress the toxicity of social media instead of allowing it to depress you.

In a time when we are treading water to keep afloat, reading the accusatory headlines of ‘Digital Depression’ can feel like a personal attack. In some ways, it is. Whilst we can’t deny the facts of those pieces (nor do discredit them), they do not present the multi-dimensionality which is crucial to our culture and society. If you relate to what you read, then learn from it and find new ways to help yourself and work with your mental health.

If you don’t relate, the message still stands. Regardless of definitions and statistics, what ‘Digital Depression’ ultimately talks to is the vulnerability and porousness of young people’s minds and mental health. When dismantled, this psychological term illuminates our fragile – yet powerful – everchanging interconnectivity. We cannot exist in a vacuum alien to the digital world and nor should we try to, instead we must endeavour to find ways to exist alongside this world. There is a mirror between mental health and digital media: they are both complicated, confusing, and overwhelming entities that are crucial to our wellbeing. Yet the key is not to find a new mirror when times get tough, but simply to create a reflection that we like.

Words By Hannah Emery

The post The False Narrative Behind Digital Depression: What You Need to Know appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Despite the ever-ongoing conflict surrounding Meghan Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, their recent televised interview was undeniably a necessary and brave course of action that will surely have a positive ripple effect. It takes courage to open up to somebody about your mental wellbeing. It takes even more courage to do so to the entire world. Meghan Markle gave an interview with Oprah on the 8th March that offered up the truth and an abundance of hope for viewers everywhere.

In the days running up to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Interview with Oprah, the tabloid papers and social media teemed with speculation over what Meghan and Harry would reveal, the ethics of the interview altogether, and what the consequences of it would be. Little coverage to the interview pre-release really tackled the harsh and upsetting truth of the situation: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had been attacked by the UK press and had consequently suffered severe mental health problems. 

In 1995 Prince Harry’s mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, spoke bravely and candidly with the press about life at the palace and her separation from Charles. Diana admirably addressed her struggle with bulimia and the lack of support she felt she received. The interview was seen by thousands and ranked as the most-watched televised show of that year.

In the same way that Princess Diana’s interview unveiled the truth about life at the palace and shed light upon the taboo subject of struggles with eating disorders, Meghan and Harry’s interview blew the lid off of the mental health issues they battled with caused by the racism and gender bias of the UK tabloid papers. 

Underneath the mounds of hateful media attention that has been thrown at Meghan Markle before, during, and after her interview, lies a woman who despite her horrid treatment still finds the strength and courage to use her platform as a vehicle of hope and enlightenment for others.

Courageously, Meghan Markle addressed the incredibly concerning mental health battle she had faced during her time in the UK. In a hard-to-watch scene, Meghan Markle revealed to Oprah Winfrey the suicidal thoughts that she had endured. The sheer level of courage that Meghan possessed to open up to her husband, the institute, HR, and eventually Oprah Winfrey and her viewers about this was beyond admirable. Meghan continued to detail how she would in her previous jobs utilise a union to seek help for such matters, but upsettingly, HR and the Institute denied Meghan the help she both needed and requested.

What this highlighted was the importance of accessible help and healthcare. As her husband, Prince Harry took what he believed to be the safest course of action and with plenty of warning  

to his family, left the UK to begin life elsewhere in search of support and escapism from the tabloids. To viewers at home, a message was received; it’s important to speak out, it’s important to prioritise your mental health.

During the interview conducted by Oprah Winfrey, Meghan Markle consciously avoided speaking about anybody in a way that would catalyse a media storm around them that was in any way similar to what she had experienced. Obviously, Meghan is ever conscious of the detrimental effect this can have on the mental wellbeing of both herself and others. Not only is this a testament to the kind nature of Oprah’s interviewee, but it also highlights something incredibly important; women’s emotions can often be disregarded, and in particular, the emotions of women of colour. The importance of this conversation is two-fold; the gaining of awareness and the highlighted importance of speaking out.

Meghan had been vilified in the media as an ‘angry’ and ‘manipulative’ character, but her husband Harry was forthcoming with Oprah in defence of his wife over the racist nature of these exact rumours and false stories that had been so widely spread about Meghan in the press. 

This itself was uplifting to see. It was a real-time demonstration of a white man from a privileged background using his platform to ultimately call out the racially fuelled hatred of his wife. In a matter of minutes, Meghan and Harry had highlighted some very important things; that removing yourself from a situation that is detrimental to your mental health is not only okay, but it’s also important; that one of the most important things you can do is ask for help; and the importance of using your platform to call out and condemn racist and misogynistic behaviour. 

Touchingly, Meghan spoke about her frustration at having been a life-long advocate for women’s rights, only to have to remain silent when her very own were being disregarded. Though Meghan felt powerless during her time in the UK, the interview was uplifting to female viewers everywhere, to see that not only had Meghan regained her voice but strengthened it. Airing on International Women’s Day, Meghan’s words and truth reigned inspirationally.

Though viewers may have watched despairingly as Meghan and Harry detailed the horrid treatment they endured during their time as husband and wife in the UK, the interview left viewers with feelings of admiration and hope. Meghan and Harry concluded that they are indeed ‘on the other side’, not only still surviving but now ‘thriving’. In another positive note that the interview concluded on, Meghan and Harry discussed their foundation; Archewell.

Archewell is a production company who has partnered with Netflix and is dedicated to telling everybody’s story. Archewell (derived from the Greek word ‘Arche’ meaning the source of action and ‘well’ meaning bountiful) describes its purpose as utilising ‘the power of storytelling to embrace our shared humanity and duty to truth through a compassionate lens’. After the negative media attention Meghan and Harry received, it’s certainly uplifting to see them being actively involved in pushing forward truthful and important narratives in the media.

As the interview came to a close and viewers reflected upon the content they had just consumed, three things became clear. Meghan, Harry, and Oprah had successfully begun prompting discourse surrounding racism, gender bias, and mental health topics. Meghan and Harry survived, and have truly and deservedly been able to live out their happy ever after. Finally, that the most important thing any of us possess is our voice, and the importance of our ability to use it for good.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact The Samaritans by calling 116 123, or talk to an adviser from eating disorders charity Beat by calling their adult helpline 0808 801 0677 or youth helpline on 0808 801 0711

Words By Megan Selway

The post Why Meghan And Harry’s Story Is So Important appeared first on Voir Fashion.

We have all been impacted by COVID-19. Our sense of normality is shattered, and our life likely no longer exists within its familiar contours. The impact of the pandemic has ricocheted to all corners and crevices of the globe. Subsequently, our mental health exists within new realms. Regardless of the pandemic our mental state naturally fluctuates, our emotions – worry, sadness, happiness, and anger – form the compass which navigates our days. A change in this, following COVID-19s outbreak, is completely normal: according to data from a study by Mental Health Foundation, this panic (generated by the Pandemic’s outbreak) was felt by one in five adults (22%), three in ten (30%) associating this directly to COVID-19. Furthermore, more than six in ten adults (62%) reported feeling anxious or worried.

However, beyond this psychological cause-and-effect development lies the question: is COVID-19 paranoia likely to become the next pandemic?

Paranoia is experienced by up to one-third of people in their life, in varying degrees. In the words of Dr. David Crepaz-Keay, FRSPH, from Mental Health Foundation, Paranoia is ‘the belief that you are being persecuted … a belief that harm will occur and that others intend this harm’. Although an essential trait of humanity – in fact, one that evolved as a survival beneficiary – when excessively present and/or controlling, Paranoia is disabling. The link between Paranoia and the outbreak of the Pandemic is that we are currently living in continuous caution, life is throwing reasons at us to be cautious and concerned.

As explained by Dr. David Crepaz-Keay, ‘the current pandemic has characteristics that make paranoia more likely’. Hand sanitizers are our new best friend, the mask is the new accessory, and what even is care-free socialising? As a result of COVID-19 our lifestyle changed; consequently, so too has our mental disposition.

But this is all relative. Paranoia is a scary, life-changing, and unfathomably difficult experience but a paranoia/fear surrounding safety and dying, an obsession with hygiene and protection is purely a by-product of the provisions we now follow. We are adapting to the times. It is important to remember that, for the most, we are rational beings. Our life has become unpredictably and uncomfortably dystopian, so it goes without saying that our helplessness will create concern. A study by the NatCen Social Research and U. of L, The Department of Health Sciences, found that statistically, paranoid thinking may affect nearly one in five of the UK population (18.6%) in a year, but fewer than one hundred (0.4%-0.7%) will receive a psychiatric diagnosis with paranoia as a symptom over the same time. In this light, our concerns regarding paranoia, the question of if it will become the next pandemic, seems irrational.

Do not panic, it is ok. There is a line between having rational emotional responses and fears and developing Paranoia. Slowly we are heading towards the light, the motors of the world (for the moment) are beginning to turn again and our wonderful minds are getting to grips with adapting to this new way of life. This is shown statistically too, a later study taken by Mental Health Foundation in late May revealing the number of people feeling anxious and panicked had decreased by 9%. Now is an extremely difficult time for everyone and although we may not all be in the same boat, we are certainly in the same storm. Sadly, there is no magic wand to fix this Pandemic, nor a crystal ball to predict the future, but perhaps this is not what we need or want. As a species, our way of coping is so deeply rooted in our way of thinking: to make the best of a situation, we first have to come to terms with it ourselves. Although easier said than done, we must try and search for light.

By no means are we underestimating or oversimplifying mental illness, and if you find yourself struggling more than you deem personally ‘normal’ or expected, it is advisable to seek help from a professional. But beyond this, if you find yourself worrying, if you feel overwhelmed by the vastness of your emotions: it is ok. Try to take a little bit of the pressure off yourself, give yourself some space to think and feel. Everything around us has taken a break, and so should you. There is still hope and freedom in the way you are feeling right now, and just because you don’t feel your normal self does not mean there is reason to worry.

Remember, we may be powerless in the pandemic’s development and its consequences, but we are not powerless in our reaction to it. There are a few things that you can do to help your mental health.

When we asked Dr. David Crepaz-Keay, FRSPH, this is what he said: ‘Start by looking after your sleep, make time to relax and build some exercise into your day. Keep up your social connections with friends and family (either face to face or by phone or online as appropriate). If you have serious concerns about your own mental health or that of someone you’re close to, talk to your GP or a respectable support line (more details of all of these can be found on the Mental Health Foundation’s dedicated coronavirus resource here. Finally, manage your social media intake and make sure you are getting your information from reliable sources’.

Remember, there is always help and guidance available. You are never alone.

Words by Hannah Emery

Image by @sarashakeel

The post How to Cope With Paranoid Thoughts During COVID, According to the Experts appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Currently, in the UK, there are an estimated 1.3 million CBD users with a total of 6 million using CBD products in the last year. Most commonly bought as oil, Cannabidiol Oil is an extract from a Hemp or Marijuana plant which in the UK, can only be legally purchased if it’s from the hemp plant.

One of the biggest questions asked by first time CBD users is whether it will get you high. The answer is no, the THC from these plants is what provides the high you feel from smoking a joint, not the CBD.

Medical experts have suggested that CBD oil provides many health benefits such as, improving sleep, reducing anxiety, reducing inflammation, and pain relief. Some professionals have noted how CBD can change the way your brain receptors respond to serotonin, the chemical linked to mental health. One study in the US found that a 600mg dose of CBD helped people who suffer from social anxiety give a speech. CBD has also been found to help with pain relief, particularly after cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.

CBD can be taken or applied in many different ways. Most popular products incorporate CBD into oils or gels that can be applied to the skin. Other ways include, taken orally through capsules or as a liquid that is sprayed into the mouth. A typical dose of CBD is between 20-50mg so for some products you may need to weaken it or possibly add more, always check the product details.

CBD affects each person differently so it is important to note that if used regularly, there can be side effects. People have noted feelings of dizziness, hallucinations, low blood pressure, and withdrawal symptoms however not enough research has currently been undertaken to suggest these are common side effects for a high proportion of users.

Check out our top picks for the best CBD products:

Hop & Hemp

This one is number one purely for creativity. The guys over at Hop & Hemp have created the first-ever non-alcoholic CBD beer. Each bottle has 8mg of CBD in so there’s room for a few after a long day. They currently have an IPA and lager, but with big retailers set to stock them in the coming months, we’re sure they’ve got a few more flavours up their sleeves.

Shop at Hop & Hemp here

Apothem Labs

Another UK based brand, these guys have stuck to the more traditional route of oils with a blend of CBD and botanicals. This brand is more on the pricey side but you do get value for money with each product containing at least 1500mg of CBD. Not only do they oils, but they also stock bath salts and creams, so there’s something for everyone.

Shop for Apothem Labs here

Pollen CBD

Already a firm favourite with many CBD users, Pollen CBD is a side project from the creators of alcoholic gummy makers Smith & Sinclair. The guys now also making vegan CBD gummy sweets and drink drops that incorporate fruit extracts to ensure they taste delicious.

Shop their range here

Yuyo Botanics

Founded in Tennessee by two women, these guys are really stepping up their game with their turmeric salve which is ideal for aches and pains at the end of the day. Their CBD salve contains turmeric, cayenne, menthol, and aloe vera so its packed full of goodness.

Shop here

Words by Grace Dembowicz

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post The Best CBD Products for Anxiety and Depression appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Mind, is a mental health charity, providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. Their mission is to offer support and respect to everyone experiencing mental health problems. The organisation also has an online mental health community Elefriends. A safe space where anyone aged 18 and over with experience of a mental health problem can share their story, connect with others, access Mind’s more extensive information, resources and give support in return. Find out more at mind.org.uk/community.

Voir has spoken to Stephen Buckley, head of information at Mind, to shed some light on the situation and how we can cope with life after the lockdown.

We spoke to Stephen on the cause of rise in stress and anxiety in returning to the workplace, and how to remedy this. He acknowledges that ‘change and uncertainty are difficult for most of us to deal especially now when we don’t know what the future looks like. He continues to state that “The coronavirus outbreak will have a long-term impact on our economy – we’re likely to see another recession as the nation attempts to get back on its feet. We know there is a strong link between issues like debt, unemployment and poor housing to poor mental health. So, it stands to reason that factors like job insecurity, unemployment, low paid work and redundancy could have a knock-on impact on mental health.” Stephen also emphasises on the efforts of the organisation to campaign on issues like housing and benefits as these kinds of factors, disproportionately affect people who have existing mental health problems.

If you’re really feeling stressed, Stephen recommends many yoga and meditation. You can find many yoga and meditation classes centred on anxiety and stress online and look to incorporate these practices in your daily life. Here are a couple of YouTube videos of meditation and yoga to ease anxiety and stress.

Meditation for Anxiety by Yoga With Adriene

Meditation for Inner Peace by Yoga With Adriene

The best way to keep your anxiety in check according to Stephen, especially regarding this crisis is to stay well informed. Seek only reliable information and not rumours to keep you updated. Also, avoid dwelling on the issue his advice is that we should take a break from it and only check when necessary.

Another trick that helps is to focus on the positive What has been beneficial for you during this lockdown. Have you finally watched that Netflix show you didn’t have time for? if you haven’t here is Voir’s top picks of Netflix shows to watch. What about that book you have always wanted to read?

Voir’s Recommends;

1). https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/post/a-netflix-guide-to-quarantine-chill

2). https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/post/8-books-to-read-before-watching-the-movie-version

Also, focus on what you look forward to once we are outside, be it dinners at restaurants, the hair appointment you plan to make as soon as they will let you or even getting to see your friends in person and not through a screen.

Feeling worried is normal from time to time, but if it starts to impact your day-to-day life, Mind encourages you to speak to someone you trust and contact your GP (many can do a consultation over the phone or by video).

You can also head to these pages on the Mind website for more information:

1). www.mind.org.uk/coronavirus

2). www.mind.org.uk/stress

3). www.mind.org.uk/anxiety

Mind has confidential information and support line:

• Mind Infoline- 0300 123 3393 (lines open 9am – 6pm, Monday – Friday)

• Contact Mind’s Media Team for interviews or further information on 0208 522 1743.

• For out of hours support, call 07850 788 514 or email media@mind.org.uk.

We need your help to support people with mental health problems right now. To donate to Mind’s emergency appeal, visit www.mind.org.uk/donate

To access a range of free images to accompany mental health news stories, visit:

time-to-change.org.uk/getthepicture

These images have been developed by Time to Change, a campaign to change how we all think and act about mental health problems. Time to Change is led by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, and funded by the Department of Health, Comic Relief and the Big Lottery Fund.

Words by Camila Karalyte

Graphics by Georgia Walters

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The post Avoiding The Lows Of Life After Lockdown According To The Professionals appeared first on Voir Fashion.

The stress of the current situation, along with a lack of exercise and an increase in comfort food and snacking, may be causing all of us to feel a bit ‘meh’ about ourselves, both physically and mentally. Voir has spoken to Master and Teacher of Reiki healing (a form of energy healing), Skylar Green, about her views on body image and how to manage the negative thoughts. Skylar believes that ‘chronic stress and poor quality of thinking can consequently lead to how we see ourselves…research tells us there is a powerful connection between the body and the mind’. During this period, we should all be easier on ourselves, encourage the mindset of ‘my weight doesn’t equal my value’.

Body image is a combination of positive thinking and active work. Small steps like positive affirmations will help you bring body confidence while making sure to be active whenever possible is also helpful. If you are dealing with negative body image, Skylar recommends these four steps to help find positivity:

1). Exercise

25-Minute Pilates Workout to Tone Your Abs, Butt, and Arms by POPSUGAR Fitness

Flat-Belly and Tight-Booty Cardio Dance Workout by POPSUGAR Fitness

Exercise in any form- it will reduce stress, release endorphins and keep you fit. Even if it’s just taking the dog out for a walk, or dancing around the kitchen while the coffee brews, it will make you feel happier and you’ll feel better for having done it. Make it fun and blast your favourite tunes and enjoy yourself, it doesn’t have to be a chore.

2). Mantra Meditation

5 min Mantra Meditation for Beginners – Easy Guided Meditation by Yoga with Kassandra

4 Minute Guided Mantra Meditation by Yoga with Candace

Mantra mediation- Mantra is a powerful type of meditation that is practised through sound vibration, either chanted aloud or whispered. It helps to relieve stress, helps you to attain peace and connect to your true self. As you continue to practice this, your poor body image will disappear.

3). New Hobbies

21 Low-Cost Empowering HOBBIES Worth Trying by Alexandra Potora

15 Self Care Ideas for Coronavirus Quarantine by Lavendaire

Find a new hobby- take this time to think about yourself and what you enjoy doing, maybe something you never usually have time for like baking or crafts. Whatever you choose to do, do it with gratitude that comes straight from your heart as this can transform your life.

4). Reiki

There are many ways you can lower stress and encourage some body positivity. Meditation is widely known to help bring peace, but the energy healing practice, Reiki, has also been proven to help benefit towards a better body image. Stress and anxiety can affect your appearance so learning to control it will help physically, as well as helping your mindset. Skylar’s tips to incorporate Reiki practices into our daily lives involve undergoing a level one course in Reiki. This helps us attune and to learn the healing techniques, she explains; ‘Attunement is the energy transmission through the teacher to the student, where the student’s body of energy is attuned to the healing energy of Reiki, which then enhances the student’s ability to channel Reiki for the rest of their life’. For more help and understanding, you can download her e-book ‘The Human: Mind and Soul’.

Having a peaceful attitude will welcome a more positive view towards your body, so, try and avoid focusing on any stress whether its work, money or virus related, and focus on bringing peace to yourself, not beating yourself up for being less active during this time or eating more.

Find out more here:

https://www.facebook.com/naturalpowerfreedom/

www.naturalhealinghearts.com

Words by Camila Karalyte

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The post Staying Body & Mind Positive According to the Professionals appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Gucci showcased their SS20 collection at Milan Fashion Week this Sunday and by this point, it is generally understood that the brand isn’t shy of sparking controversy and noise – think sweaters resembling Blackface and Sikh-styled turbans displayed at AW ‘18. Though it is not uncommon for Gucci to be called out with a flurry of hashtags and Instagram posts after-shows, it is pretty much unheard of for the brand to be condemned by one of their models during a show.

Well, Ayesha Tan-Jones did just that.

Tan-Jones, signed to Anti-Agency London, considers herself an “activist and artist” outside of being a model. The model would later write on Instagram the reasoning behind her demonstration at the Gucci Runway Show: “many of the other Gucci models who were in the show felt just as strongly as I did about this depiction of straightjackets”.

“As an artist and model who has experienced my own struggles with mental health, as well as family members and loved ones who have been affected by depression, anxiety, bipolar and schizophrenia, it is hurtful and insensitive for a major fashion house such as Gucci to use this imagery as a concept for a fleeting fashion moment”.

Gucci’s Collection:

The collection featured white jackets with buckles mirroring those straightjackets worn during a “cruel time in medicine when mental illness was not understood” according to Tan-Jones. The room was largely laboratory-white with the models being rolled down on a conveyor belt, making Ayesha feel like a “piece of factory meat”.

Gucci, however, gave their own interpretation of the show on their Instagram and stated the utilitarian and uniformed pieces represented how “through fashion, power is exercised… [eliminating] self-expression”. The brand wanted to highlight how through fashion, social norms are created and hence limit and constrain identity and individuality.

Change?

With a proven track record to shock and offend, Gucci beckons one to question whether controversy is part of their marketing strategy to gain public attention. But with even their own models feeling morally divided on the runway, it will be interesting to see where the brand will go from here and whether they will repeat their past performances in seasons to come?

Quotes taken from the Instagram accounts of Gucci and Ayesha

Words by Hena Sharma

Graphics by Fiona Campbell

The post ‘Mental Health Is Not Fashion’ – Peaceful Protest By Gucci Model appeared first on Voir Fashion.