Hi
I've just spoken to gamcare for the first time. I only admitted to myself that I have a problem this morning. I've felt numb all day and suddenly feel a huge sense of relief.
As recently as last night I was looking at my PayPal statement, which I use for online betting, and still kidding myself that I didn't have a problem.
The mortgage is paid every month, there's food on the table, minimum paid to credit cards, I can afford this, etc. Same s**t I've been tricking myself in to believing for years.
Truth is I've become a compulsive gambler and realising how much it has spiralled and the thought of what might have been - and could still be - is terrifying.
Now that I've admitted it to myself and spoken about it I suddenly feel very positive and desperately want to stop. Today is day 1. Counselling next. I have no idea what tomorrow will bring but right now I feel ready to bring it.
Welcome Mark, you have done the right thing coming on here your story sounds very much like my own, a week today i decided i had to stop before i lost everything.Have found posting on here helps and have also joined the 2015 challenge. Good luck with the counselling and just take it one day at a time.
Thanks. I'd normally be tearing my hair out at the football on a Tuesday night. Hard to say how I'll feel about not betting on tomorrow's games as lot of mixed emotion for me today, but I'm certainly gonna find out.
done all my betting on mostly football aswell and i am finding it hard to even watch a match at the moment as i am getting urges to bet but am determind to do this. you will get alot of good advice on here from people who have been through it all
Football horses and golf my main vices. I'll probably never watch another horse race again but hopefully find a way to enjoy the other 2 still.
Anyone here manage that and any advice?
Hi Mark,
In the same boat as you. Football and golf were where i lost most my money. Found it hard to watch any first week thinking i might have bet on that etc.
But just been to watch Coventry at Fleetwood tonight and its the most i've enjoyed a game for years. Not thinking how are my bets going, should i bet in play etc, just enjoyed watching it and felt real good 🙂
On day 9 so does get better bud, hoping you get through and beat gambling!
I really loved football untill i started losing big money on it, hope to start going to matches again and enjoy them for what they are and not be praying for another corner, goal ,card etc.....
Feels a bit more real this morning. I guess the emotion of yesterday has worn off!
I'm ok though going to keep myself busy got a few jobs to do round the house after work so will just avoid today's racing and tonight's games. Still positive just feeling it a little
I hope I can enjoy it too mate I always did before. And I can enjoy some other sports I've not got bets on. Really enjoyed recent tennis grand slams watching the elite at their best and cricket is another I can watch and enjoy without a bbet so there's hope. Heading out now not even looked at today's racing or football. It's on my mind but feeling positive. He'll it's only day 2! All the best.
It's been hard so far today but just took a moment to reflect on things, in particular my wife's response and support which is exceptional. If anyone else has shared their problem with someone you love who has responded positively use those thoughts if you're struggling.
I'm no expert obviously having only just faced up myself but that's helped me get over a lull today so really wanted to share.
my partner was really supportive when i told her aswell makes a big difference its going to be hard as i have found out already but we can do it one day at a time
It's massive having that. Have thought about it a lot today aand its by far the biggest positive. I'm very pleased to have not placed a bet today, haven't even looked at it. Heading home soon and looking forward to talking about it some more.
Had a good chat tonight and feeling very positive. No gambling tonight feels good.
Day 3 feels better than yesterday so far but obviously thinking about it still.
Going to take some time out later to set out some goals and targets see if that helps with perspective.
Definitely better than yesterday morning so hoping for a good day
The dreaded weekend! Woke up thinking about it again this morning but that's been every day so far and I've got past it so hopefully will again. Have enjoyed the past few evenings not feeling agitated by constantly following my bets so confident I have those feelings to pull from. Ignore the football racing and golf this weekend if I can get through these 2 days and nights that will feel huge.
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