Doctor

Hi

Yes I have and you should tell your GP because they have a counselling service for you. Gambling problems are a symptom of much deeper issues.

I am very clear about that.

In my case it all came out that I was facing horrendous issues in my life and my life had no direction whatsoever. I felt nobody was helping and couldnt get a starter job to save my life...nobody would take me on to wash pots (just one example) just to earn a few hours work a day,....you see it just doesnt work like that now when they can pick and chose many applicants for any job. They dont like the idea of people using it as a stepping stone I am an ex bank worker and credit controller (nothing special) and they take a look at my cv and ask me what Im doing there...I literally had to beg for any work and Im not above doing anything.

I was faced with the deep truth that I was useless. I couldnt see a way of making money beyond risk and huge start up costs for doubtful return. There is a way but I couldnt bring myself to see it. It was a truth that makes some people strong but it made me weaker

Huge stresses where my family say they are there for me and at one point my mother is saying sell that magazine on the streets like its a long term option..My parents are wealthy but they are just not in touch with what Im going through..I felt homelessness looming and living on benefits its like a last two weeks of money scenario every time. I didnt ever want to live on benefits as I had always worked before

So I was faced with starting my own business or educating myself at a serious cost. Meanwhile the dwp rightly or wrongly were keeping the pressure right up and sending me to places that were no more really then sanctioning centres with false help leading nowhere.

Feeling a mix of glad to be free from relationships and extremely lonely at the same time I was becoming an emotional stressed mess. I didnt know who I was going to meet or who I wanted to meet. Staying away seemed best but isolation is a killer. Friends had drifted away and Im not sure I wanted any anyway as i started to see them as bother

This is just putting it briefly but Im trying to say how stress gambling triggers from this. Actually I had become clinically depressed.

My flat had become my prison and I was filling it with some nice things but tending to hoard too much. I couldnt afford to move out and I dont own it. I feel like I have done years in prison.. both the prison of my own mind, my finances and this small flat

I needed the doctor. In a way the gambling was a side issue but a deeply dangerous issue that was only ruining me further. I realised that I was infact self destructing and didnt care. Ive had mornings where I wish I had passed away in my sleep...followed by anxiety attacks and not being able to face the day. Ive felt like that after gambling but generally I was so low anyway that gambling was giving me some sort of draw. I cant fully explain it other than it must have been life is horrendous anyway so what harm in a flutter which might make me feel above low. Only the gambling made it much much worse.

I am just being honest here...some people may not like this soul bearing but Im explaining that a therapist can help put things into perspective when Im not thinking straight

So the IAPT counselling has been a help. I needed the doctor and I suggest that everyone should look at their lives and talk to a therapist through the doctor. Gambling is a major problem and a symptom of issues. I dont think enough people use therapists which is a healthy thing to do.

Best wishes

Thankyou Samson and that is just true soul searching so people can see how a lost life plays right into gambling.

Some people may not like it and may be saying get a job get a job! at the screen 🙂 but its an honest example of how gambling gets in and gets a hold

I understand what anyone is going through in similar circumstances and I think that everyone has their story. Life can be tough and uncertainty just round the corner

I was lost and other factors added to this. My theory is this creates a core group of problem gamblers at various levels of stress and disillusionment with life.

Sometimes it not as easy as "when the going gets tough the tough get going" and all those sayings

Im now dealing with it and I do think everyone should look at any issues and have a healthcheck

Having parents that dont really get it or me is hard to bear. They are loving in their own way but sometimes it feels like talking to strangers on a completely different wavelength. They wont see me on the streets but I feel like Im six years old with them all the time even if I didnt report a gambling problem 🙂

The good thing about therapy is that I am open to other ways of looking at it and want to know if Im even thinking straight any longer

I say to anyone have a chat with the doctor as they have many people in and are there to deal with how you are feeling...its good to talk 🙂

Best wishes

Hi SH05,

Thank you for your post, and well done for posing that question, as it seems like responses you’re getting from fellow forum members are very useful and encouraging.

With a lot of positive and encouraging examples from his own experiences, I hope Joydivider has shared more than enough to make you aware of the importance of seeing your Doctor for your gambling problem.

Meanwhile, I advise that you contact our free phone Helpline on: 0808 8020 133, and speak to one of our advisers for further support.

In case you think counselling will help you to stop gambling, any of our advisers can refer you to 12 sessions of free counselling, and nearest to where you live. The sessions are 1 to 1, and face to face.

I suggest that you try and stay in touch with us so we know how you’re getting on with your recovery, and also to offer further support in case you need it.

I wish you all the best with your recovery, and please keep posting.

Regards,

Beatrice