Hi there, my name is Richy 32yo recovering gambling addict. I stopped since maxing out overdraft on 10 Nov 2013 (last bet was whole overdraft - 2 grand on a hand of blackjack - lost). Not had a bet since and i managed to get a part time job in April. The main reason i gambled was to distarct myself as i suffer from chronic depression, anxiety and intrusive thoughts, these problems got worse recently and last monday i literally ended up in A&E crying & begging for mercy. Since then ive been seen by a mental health counsellor daily and a proper Psychiatrist came round last thursday and i am to change my medication and receive more talk therapy. Sad but true and im sure most of you can relate but without gambling there is a huge empty void in your life that needs filling and i dont really know what i can fill it with...? still im sure you may be asking yourself the same question and hopefully together we can find an answer,, yours truly Richy xx
Hi Richy - I am truly sorry that things got so bad for you that you ended up in A & E, but at least you seem to be getting the right sort of help and I hope that you start to feel better soon. From what you say though it would seem that you have still not gambled, despite feeling so bad, and that is something to be very proud of.
We gamble for all sorts of reasons, but usually it's an attempt to supply something which is missing in our lives, something to relieve stress, financial worry, disappointment or just plain boredom. But that 'buzz' we get from gambling is a false friend as you well know. So what can we replace it with? In your case I would suggest trying some sort of exercise, even it is just walking for half an hour a day. Exercise of any sort produces endorphins in our brain which lifts our spirits. Other things to try - reading, listening to your favourite music, yoga, Tai 'Chi, voluntary work helping others less fortunate (and yes, there are people out there who need us).
I know that with depression sometimes all you want to do is bury yourself in the duvet, and it takes guts to motivate yourself.
Without going into too much detail, I have personal experience of someone with chronic depression - through a superhuman effort they came out of it and are leading a busy, fulfilling life without medication, so it can be done. And you can do it too!
Remember that we are all here to support you.
Take care.
Joanna
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