"Reaching out" (Family & Friends)

Hi everyone,

Welcome to the Forum’s new topic! 

We have heard your feedback, so we will be regularly posting new topics 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 “reaching out”.

There are many reasons why reaching out and asking for help can be difficult, including shame, fear of being rejected or not wanting to feel like an ‘inconvenience’ to others. Yet, we also know that having support is important when coping with stressful situations.

For more information, the following article discusses why reaching out can feel so hard, and the realities of asking for help: Stanford Article "reaching out"

If you’re thinking about reaching out to the helpline, but unsure of what will happen. The following page talks you through what to expect: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/news-and-blog/blog/what-to-expect-when-you-contact-our-helpline/

So, we want to hear your thoughts!

Have you ever struggled “reaching out”? Why?

What would you say to someone who was looking for help, but finding it too difficult to ask?

Did your experience of "reaching out" match your expectations?

We would love to hear your reflections below.

All the best,

Lulu

Online Peer Support Team