Hi everyone,
Welcome to the Forum’s new weekly topic!
We have heard your feedback, so we will be posting a new topic thread every week to give you the chance to reflect on your journey so far. We will be including content around topics such as gambling harms research, news articles, reflections from GamCare staff, and more.
This week’s topic is Awareness
Psychologydictionary.org defines awareness as “a consciousness of internal or external events or experiences”.
This also includes Self-awareness.
Defined as "conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires," according to Oxford Language.
So, over to you!
How has “awareness/self-awareness” been a part of your story so far?
What are your thoughts on “awareness/self-awareness”?
We would love to hear your reflections below.
All the best,
Lulu
Online Peer Support Team
Hi there. I can only say that my awareness kicked in when I hit xxxx losses when no more funds were available thrown in at the deepest end
About a year ago I did several online courses including Zen and mindfulness etc combining those with the transfer of my income to accounts that I had zero access to plus all round disconnect from sites of high risk crypto and aim shares
Exercise volunteering and breathing work and most importantly being on this website reading everything from superb contributors and all the great advice from site features That is now my awareness
Keep uplifting all of us it’s a godsend. Best
I did a course on "Addiction" (focus on alcohol) and realised the importance of Trust - being able to trust others an to trust yourself - and I realised that I coudl not trust myself when drinking.
Unfortunately "my addictive tendencies" seem to have transferred themselves to gambling and so I find myself here - trying to figure out how to apply the above insight to my gambling issues.
I suppose not being able to trust myself to manitain a budget and not to blow money that could be spent on "real things" to enhance my life is a start.
Hi @i7r9twun1f ,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It sounds like awareness has been a big part of your story and you have put a lot of energy and effort into creating opportunities for awareness, like you've described.
You experience shows how awareness is something that can change and grow! Awareness is hugely linked to mindfulness, and things such as breathing techniques as you've mentioned, can be a great place to start.
I wish you all the best on your journey, and we will be posting weekly topics so please feel free to check out new topics each week and let us know your thoughts.
Take care,
Lulu
Online Peer Support Team
Hi @45wbo7jqih ,
Thank you for sharing some of your story with us. It sounds like from your past experiences and the course you mentioned that you have awareness with how alcohol impacts you, and are now looking to use this awareness to support your journey with gambling. It takes a lot of strength to recognise, as you said, when we cannot "trust ourselves" with something so I hope this forum supports you in your journey.
As you have reflected, it sounds like you have found your starting goal. If you would like some more help with this goal, we also run a 24/7 helpline on 0808 8020 133 or on live chat, and an advisor can chat with you about your situation further and all the support that would be available to you.
Please don't be alone with this, you can out on the helpline if you would like some further support, and continue to use the forum to share your insightful reflections.
Wishing you all the best,
Lulu
Online Peer Support Team
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
