Never felt so low

Dear @StrugglingMan, 

Thank you for sharing your story on the forum, I am sure you will receive some helpful responses and advice from other forum members that you will find useful.

You are not stupid at all and I'm sorry to hear the affect the gambling has had on your mental health. I would really encourage you to get in touch with your GP surrounding your well being, to make sure you are receiving the right support for that too.

There is also debt advice available via StepChange, you may wish to have a talk with them about your finances. Their contact number is 0800 138 1111.

Please remember you are certainly not alone with this and have come to the right place for support, we are available 24 hours a day on our helpline on 0808 8020 133 or via our live chat. Do get in contact and one of our advisors can talk everything through and look at all of the support available to you.

Wishing you all the best and do keep sharing your journey. 

Kind regards, 

Sophie C.

Forum Admin

Just tell your new partner the truth. As someone suffering from the pain of not being in a honest relationship from the start it will be harder for your partner if you lie. I know it will be very difficult for you but maybe you could explain and she will understand. My husband lied and denied trying to protect me but it tore us apart in the end…14 years later, I’m devastated as I can no longer trust him and I am sure he has regrets from not being upfront. I am sure you will be closer together for telling the truth than for hiding it…but at the end of the day your partner needs to make her own choice so you have to respect that too. Good luck

Hi, 

Thanks for the replies. 

I have spoken to my partner and told her the truth. She was very understanding and one extremely lucky person in that respect. We've agreed for her to help manage my finances.

I've also told two family members, who again, were very supportive of my admission and pleased I'm seeking help.

Since being brave enough to come out about my gambling issue, I feel a whole weight lifted off of my shoulders. I've actually started to sleep better already! 11 hours last night, I must've have needed it as I feel so refreshed today.

So, payday is imminent and we've done a budget planner and I'm looking forward to start saving some money again.

I'm already on Anti-depressant meds and do have regular check-ups with the docs. Although, I have never mentioned my gambling to them, but will at the next meeting.

Hopefully this is the start of a new me, new future. I know this won't be a walk in the park for me, or my partner or family. But collectively, I will get there. That's my goal. But more importantly, for my kids.

Thank you. 

And if anyone else is reading this or any of the other posts, who is frightened of their gambling habits.....please do come out and tell loved ones. I honestly thought I'd be kicked out of the house and have some of my family disown me, but truth be told, they've been amazing. And I have a difficult family!

DF

So pleased for you. Sounds like you’ve handled it very well and are doing all of the things I could only have dreamed for my husband to have done but sadly he didn’t. Enjoy your new life style 

You clearly did the right thing mate well done 

wish I would of spoken up before I did