Hello, I am new on here and wanted to share my story;
I am currently 20 years old, Since I was very young, I would even say about 16, I have been gambling, it started off small on tennis, small on football and has just grown for 4 years. It became a massive problem, I was betting money I didn’t have, using other ways of paying which weren’t my own, forcing myself to sell possessions to keep my head above water at such a young age, which then that money would just go towards betting anyway. It really took a hit on me throughout 2018, I didn’t realise how much of an emotional /mental, toll it was taking out on me. I couldn’t concentrate at work, I would find myself going through bets at work trying to cover teams I think would win etc. I really was not doing much work at all..
That equalled to a complete lack of motivation at work where the money I was earning was just going straight into betting, I took out numerous payday/personal loans, to help/fund my habit.Â
It came to the point at the beginning of 2019, where my mum and dad became aware of my struggles, and helped me out. They paid off 3 of my loans, leaving me with two I pay now and a credit card. I am so lucky to have parents that would do this and are able to do this, they are by no means wealthy and I will forever feel guilty for what I have done.
Today is my first day of being gamble free, I had previously registered to gamstop at the back end of 2018, but I have had a few minor relapses since, but I have recently upped that to 5 years and from today it will be the start of something new for me.
Overall, it just had me emotionally drained, I was constantly depressed, tired, not sleeping very well, feeling constantly guilty, at such a young age, it really is not something I should be worried about, I was never happy with my job I’ve had for 3 years or so, I’ve hated it since day 1. The betting of course didn’t help, as I lost my first job from not going to university and not being dedicated. The second job I got for when all the loans were taken out and I had serious money problems. This obviously effected how I was at work and my performance and I left that job myself, after my performance was put under scrutiny. I have a new job now, I have come to the realisation that even though this job is well paid, it is not the job for me, and I am applying for things I want to do and will enjoy instead. I have a hold on my money and I am starting to manage it a lot better, while my debt is not massive amounts of money, I am at the age of 20 with no savings and starting over again.
Apologies for such a long message, I would love to hear anything anyone has to say,Â
On another note, I would love to hear from anyone from a similar age to me, how normalised gambling is for young adults nowadays makes me so angry, especially growing up as a male supporting football and all of my friends support a football team, everyone gambles, which just makes it so much harder. I would love to hear other stories..
Thanks 🙂
If I could turn back the clock to age 20 I would.
You have made a brave decision to recognise your problem and have every opportunity to move forward with your life. Read lots of posts on here and take strength that its possible.
Blocking is the key, support on here is helpful and will power is also critical. Realising that it isnt easy is also important, but whenever you get the urge, remember why you came here in the first place.
You can do this Benjamin!
Well done on realising you need help Benjamin . I began gambling at age 16 , I'm now 56 almost. Stop early !!!! if you can beat this now ( and you can ) life will be so much fuller . Read others diaries and convince yourself this has to stop. Keep your guard up. John
Firstly being 20 and having no savings is not too much of an issue. Secondly, gambling can start at someones' Life at any time. Especially these days with all the advertising. I started 21 and am now 37.
You are very lucky to have parents that helped you out. Think of them next time you get a temptation. They will not be there all through your Life.Â
If I could turn back the clock to age 20 I would.
You have made a brave decision to recognise your problem and have every opportunity to move forward with your life. Read lots of posts on here and take strength that its possible.
Blocking is the key, support on here is helpful and will power is also critical. Realising that it isnt easy is also important, but whenever you get the urge, remember why you came here in the first place.
You can do this Benjamin!
Thank you so much for your kind words, I have just this morning installed Gamban on my phone to stop any future temptations, I will continue to read posts on here to inspire me to carry on being strong!
Well done on realising you need help Benjamin . I began gambling at age 16 , I'm now 56 almost. Stop early !!!! if you can beat this now ( and you can ) life will be so much fuller . Read others diaries and convince yourself this has to stop. Keep your guard up. John
Thanks for your words John, makes me feel less alone when I understand it was not just me at a young age, the diaries on here give me hope 🙂
Firstly being 20 and having no savings is not too much of an issue. Secondly, gambling can start at someones' Life at any time. Especially these days with all the advertising. I started 21 and am now 37.
You are very lucky to have parents that helped you out. Think of them next time you get a temptation. They will not be there all through your Life.Â
Thanks X M,Â
The money side that daunts me the most is not necessarily the lack of savings, I think its the amount of money I have wasted and then cost my parents that eats away at me. Especially when there is people less fortunate at my age that could of done much better things with it instead of me mindlessly throwing it away, makes me feel like such a prat. But I will definitely think of my parents the next time I get temptation, Thank you so much
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