7 minute read
Fashion
As the new season rolls in it’s time to have fun with some mega new looks. Be bold, bright and big, says Sara Whatley
Dressing this autumn/winter is going to be fun. In the move out of comfortable slouchy dressing we have all embraced over the past year or so we now turn to colour, embellishment, exaggeration and a little bit of sexy.
Year on year staples for cool weather dressing still apply – layering, knits, boots – but this year they have all
put a party hat on. Layering is fun, flexible and incredibly easy, with a combination of crisp white shirt worn under a dress. It’s as simple as that! Any style dress goes from sweetheart neckline to lace to pinafore, whatever you fancy just pop a crisp white shirt under it and you have the look nailed.
Knits this season have gone mega. Extra chunky, super long, layered up, patterned, embellished, it’s knitwear on steroids. This is a perfect look for staying comfortable and snuggled up as the cold hits. Perfectly paired with a chunky boot, because this season’s boot is
High Low DRESSING
also embracing the chunk with extra big soles and exaggerated treads.
Cast your grey jogging bottoms and black leggings aside and make way for head to toe colour therapy. Think ‘matchy matchy’ with tops, jackets, bottoms, shoes and even bags – it’s a go bold or go home situation! If you really can’t face the monosyllabic look, try just one bright with a neutral background and still enjoy a bold punch of colour.
Another bold look to try is all over logo mania. Print up your whole person for a loud and shouty angle this autumn. This is not a look for the shy retiring types, it will get you noticed.
This autumn and winter it’s all about pairing fun and extravagant with simple and low key. Meeting mates down the pub? Try a huge sparkling bell skirt with a hoodie, jacket, cap and chunky tread boots, or giant jeans and a cut out top – here’s where the sexy comes in – with cut out
tops and dresses being big business this season. Flash your bare shoulders or a hip and midriff for a tantalising grown-up take on bare dressing and reveal just as much as you dare.
To keep the chill out as the temperature drops sling on a super padded coat or a fuzzy and fabulous combo. And when I say combo I mean the whole lot, faux fur coat, shaggy boots, hat and scarf. Time to release your inner animal!
Whatever style you add to your wardrobe this autumn/ winter remember to have fun with it, that’s the key to the season: a little bit of silly and a lot of fantastic fashion. l
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Cover me colourfully!
Online Gambling: Are You Hooked?
Online gambling has exploded in popularity but what does this mean for mental health?
There’s no doubt that we’ve all spent a lot more time online during the pandemic. Internet access helped us stay connected, created flexible working and became our main source of entertainment whilst bars, cinemas and theatres were closed.
All good right? Not quite.
For some, spending increased time online has put us more at risk. According to recent research*, regular gamblers are now at least six times more likely to gamble online compared to before the pandemic.
Sports betting, poker, bingo and casino games have all soared in popularity.
As well as our increased reliance on all things online, this huge upswing in gambling has been caused by a big rise in advertising spend by betting companies. They are increasingly promoting their platforms on websites and social media to lure in potential customers who are passing time scrolling or internet shopping.
So what does this mean for our mental health and general wellbeing when large sums of money can be lost with a few clicks on a smartphone?
There’s many potential issues - gambling addiction can put a real strain on finances and relationships. There’s also a strong link between binge drinking and regular gambling, both behaviours can have serious health and social consequences.
If you’re addicted to gambling, then despite mounting relationship problems or financial woes, you will find it difficult to overcome the urge to continue. You’re also likely to experience some of the following conditions: anxiety, irritability, depression, insomnia, change in sex drive and loss of appetite.
If this sounds like you, then talk to someone, there is help available.
Experienced therapists can help you start to manage your addiction and tackle your gambling habit.
* Emond, A., Nairn, A., Collard, S. et al. Gambling by Young Adults in the UK During COVID-19 Lockdown. J Gambl Stud (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-021-10029-y
Gambling warning signs to look out for
s! More frequent- spending longer and longer periods of time gambling, at any hour of the day s ! Fixated- constantly thinking about gambling and losing interest in other areas of life, such as family or relationships s ! Covering up - trying to hide gambling habits and concealing how much you are spending. s ! Loss of control - gambling when the odds are stacked against you or making increasingly larger and riskier bets
s! Financial strain - constantly increasing your spend and using gambling to try and recuperate your losses s ! No resistance - no matter how many times you’ve promised, you just can’t seem to quit s ! Denial - unwilling to admit you have a problem and refusing to seek help, even if those closest to you are worried
Tips to help reduce your gambling
n Reduce your time online - avoid scrolling on social media to limit the number of gambling adverts you see n Install blocking software - consider downloading blocking software which stops access to gambling websites. If you can’t get access you won’t be tempted to bet
n Consider self-exclusion - Ask gambling providers to exclude you from gambling with them for a length of time e.g. six months to a year n Seek professional help- talk to a professional who has experience of working with gambling addiction and knows effective strategies to break your habit
Elysium Therapy BRIGHTON
At Elysium Therapy Brighton we recognise that seeking support and help for yourself, a friend or a family member who is struggling is a brave thing to do.
Our team are here for you and can help facilitate personal growth and help with any mental health difficulties you or those around you are experiencing.
We provide consultations, psychiatric assessments and talking therapies delivered individually or on a group therapy basis, in person, via video conferencing or by telephone. If you would like to seek help or discuss treatment options, please get in touch.
E: therapybrighton@elysiumhealthcare.co.uk
Elysium Therapy Brighton Withdean House 52 Dyke Road Avenue Brighton BN1 5LE
