Feel so alone

Hi Tilly

There are so many agencies out there that can help. First the gambling side- there will be alot of advice from people on here who have been there and done it- probably to the tune of 10x what you have. Take the advice- add all the blocking software and get on top of it- you will be so surprised how much difference 1 or 2 weeks make.

Is there anyone that you can hand your finances over to?

Second contact stepchange- they are superb and talk you through so many options for managing debt, i guarantee things will be clearer after speaking to them- i had my first good nights sleep after talking to them nearly 2 years ago now.

Third dont beat yourself up- you are not a bad person you are not even a weak person you have just fallen into a trap that more and more people are falling into everyday.

Its never hopeless i was in a similar position to you- thought all hope was lost. I am now 530 days gamble free and cleared nearly 50k of debt.

You can do it- No more feeling sorry for the past- live for the future. Above all else believe in yourself!

Good luck

Hi Tilly6644

Thank you for posting

You seem to be finding things a little difficult at the moment. Please consider giving the helpline a call and speak to one of our advisers on freephone 0808 8020 133. They can offer you advice support and information to help you decide what you might like to do next.

We also offer a free counselling service which you can access on the helpline when you speak the adviser. This link will help you know what's on offer http://www.gamcare.org.uk/support-and-counselling/free-counselling

All the best

Cade

Forum admin

Hi Tilly,...it is truely amazing what a difference 1 or 2 weeks makes once you stop gammbling. The pain starts to lift much quicker than you can imagine..once you stop. I know the feeling of just working to pay debts. However there are many many people in that situation and no just becuase of a gambling addiction. I was reading an article on a well known celebrity who is still working in his early 80's because his investments went belly up on 2 occasions over the last 30 years and he is left with little except his home. Take heart in that you have the ability to earn an income, regardless of what that money is going towards, you still have the ability to earn and that in itself is a great thing. Money comes and goes. I do know how you feel though as I have felt the same myself on many occasions. But I keep reminding myself that I have a job and am in good health to be able to work...I hope this is some consolation to you.

Hi Tilly6644.

Yes Gambling to extinction and coming home with nothing is one of the most lonely feelings in the world, Its the most empty and soul crushing feeling. There isnt much worse than a full blown gambling addiction

There is hope for you and there is help. You must stop gambling and refocus your life. Its a born again moment which will wash over you. Your mental health is more important than worrying about debts. You can only pay what you can afford and there is help to manage your debt payments. The CAB will help freeze interest and make sure you have enough to live on

Your creditors are legally bound to accept what you can afford in an arrangement

When the gambling stops your life will recover. Gambling is not the answer to what you seek. Its not actually an escape and its not an income scheme.

When you start a full recovery I promise you will get your life back. You will feel alive and not a gambling zombie.

Being gamble free is a wonderful feeling of serenity and control

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

thanks again for all uHey thanks every one for ur comments ... I have enough to live on and pay debt off .. I just can’t enjoy life if it’s a works night out I have to plan and work a extra shift so I can go out. I’m working extra so can pay extra back on debt each month just to make things go away quicker . So I can start to save for something I can show for my money ... for each day I don’t gamble I’m putting a pound in to my saving .. just so I can see at end of month I can do this and I will ..

Thats the spirit!!

We all have had to make sacrifices- i cant remember the last time i went on a P**s up ha. but you can enjoy life- just enjoy the simpler things ha.

Those numbers will go down and you can have your life back. Keep fighting

If I didn’t go out with work friends I’d just feel so low . It perks me up... even with me putting a pound away Each day at end of year it’s a chunk I can pay off debt . I can do this might be hard but I’ll get there

Thats ok Tilly6644. Im just saying gambling is not the answer and debts must not stress you.

I was about £3000 down one years and that would have taken a lot of pounds in jars to replace. Im just saying that such a scheme could male you feel closed in like its never ending.

When the gambling stops the rest falls into place over time.

Do get some financial advice if you ever feel stressed and the Citizens Advice Bureau are very nice to talk to.

Best wishes

Hiw you doing Tilly ?

Wishin you luck on your Gamble free Journey

Sammy x