family stress and problems have been a heavy thing the last couple of week i have notices when i'm stressed about something that is going on or when i'm trying to help someone in my family out i am taking their stress on is when that voice is my head would get lounder telling me to gamble just to try and escape from the thing that going on but i now know that stress is a trigger for me so i take myself out of what is going on i can't keep being a sponge for people around me when i'm taking to take care of myself and deal with my problems not everyone else i know that sounds selfish but how can anyone help someone else before they help themself first and foremost
Hello Kay
Thanks for posting this.
I can hear that things have been quite intense over the last couple of weeks. It sounds like you’ve been really noticing how you’re feeling and how much responsibility you shoulder for others.
You’ve shown great insight in recognising that you sometimes think about gambling as a way of escaping. Finding alternative methods for managing stress – such as taking yourself out of the situation and looking after yourself first – is going to be really helpful in ensuring that gambling is less likely to be your ‘go to’.
It doesn’t sound selfish to concentrate on your own wellbeing – as you say, you’re in a much stronger position to look after others when you’re feeling good.
I hope you can keep us updated on your progress.
Wishing you well,
Ellen
Forum Admin
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