Really need to be strong

Hi Paul, likewise I just wanted to add that it does get a bit frenetic on the forums at times. The best time is early, there are normally only a few of us on when the session starts. And don't be afraid to get stuck in with a message like "I really need some help, can anyone help me?". That will always draw us in like moths to a flame! Give the webchat another go, we all care 🙂

Hi Mixer, Sillycow, Rhoda & Bal,

Sorry if I came across as a bit abrupt or rude earlier on the chatroom. Ive never been on there before and didn't no what to expect & it seemed a bit overwhelming to put anything down or keep up so wasn't sure if I was in the right place etc.

I do apologise again and I will definitely give it another go and I thankyou all for your kind messages tonight!!

Paul

No need to apologise Paul....I just read along some nights....as you get to know people it becomes easier 🙂

I tried joining the chatroom several times tonight but with no luck. It kept saying chatroom is full please try later! Why are you only allowed a maximum of 15 people at a time? Surely with the amount of people wanting to chat that this should be looked at to be increased or maybe more than one chatroom should be available.

regards Paul

Forum admin wrote:

Hello Paul,

I'm sorry if you felt overlooked or disregarded in the chat room tonight. Although several of us said hello to you, I appreciate that it can feel challenging to make your voice heard in a busy room. Do feel welcome to join again and we will make sure to ask you more questions in case that helps you to take more space in the room. As you can see from the posts on your thread, our forum members are keen to support you.

Take care,

Forum admin.

Hi Paul
There used to be a limit of 100 but because so many were in the room chat was as you can imagine going at a rate of knots

Best to try getting on about near near the first ten minutes as it fills up fast

There's 2 rooms in the week one at 7 them at 9 the 7 o'clock one is usually less attended so maybe try that one

All the best bud

Thanks Deano will give it another go later in the week at the earlier time!!!!

Hello I_want_to_stop

Saw you in chat this afternoon. Sorry you arrived in the middle of a conversation - I hope you feel able to stick around for longer next time. It can take a couple of minutes for people to finish up what they were saying. And that's a good tip from Mixer - ask a question, it gives people something to respond to.

Hope to see you in chat again soon.

Best wishes

Deirdre (Forum Admin)

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick update to say it's been 10 days since I joined and 10 days GF!! Really feeling so good since I've been on here reading other people's stories and writing my own feelings down. Not even thought about betting & the support from Gamcare has been fantastic.

Still taking a day at a time but feel so much better in every aspect of my daily life now & positive with the continued support will break free from this horrible problem.

Will post regularly with updates. Thanks again for your comments everyone, means a lot.

Paul

12 days GF today!!! Feeling amazing & booked a holiday for the summer, something I wouldn't even of thought of a few months or weeks ago.

I honestly never thought coming on here everyday to read people's stories and there progress would help me so much!! It is incredible the effect just reading and posting can have on your recovery.

Thanks for reading everyone! Will keep updating.

Paul

Well done I_want_to_stop! 12 days is a great acheivement! Look forward to your next milestone.

Best wishes

Forum Admin

Thought I would do a quick update!! Been 19 days now GF with no urges at all. Been keeping busy adding exercise to my daily routine and being perfectly honest haven't thought about gambling at all.

I also found that coming on here everyday to read through new stories and if I can help write a reply or go in the chatroom for 15 mins or so has had a big help. Also waiting to get my 1st appointment for 1-1 counciling to keep me on the path to recovery.

Will continue with regular updates! Thanks for reading & I hope everyone else's is doing well.

Paul

Hi, this is my first time and I'm not too sure how it all works. I started gambling online about 8 years ago, I can't remember if I saw an ad on tv or on my laptop but I do remember it was foxy bingo, I tried the bingo but didn't like it much so thought I would try the slots.....never done it before...I only deposited £20 but came away with £150, I thought, this seems easy and fun so I continued...joined many more sites...would win sometimes but in reality lost a fortune....8 years later and in debt because of my gambling, I can't seem to stop and just recently I had to admit I am a compulsive gambler and it makes me feel sick, I hate myself, I'm not really me if you know what I mean, I've lied and deceived everyone especially my husband who bailed me out 2 years ago when I had to admit to him what I had been doing and had run up a lot of debt, I couldn't tell him now that I have still been gambling......I'm hoping that I will gain strength and encouragement from other people on here.....

**update** it's now nearly 1 month of being GF and have to say I've had no urges to want to bet. Reading the stories on here and using the chatroom has been a big help. I would like to thank all the regulars who use the chatroom (they know who they are) for making me feel welcome & included. My 1-1 counciling sessions start next Wednesday as well to help me keep focused and continue the progress I've made so far.

Will update again when I've been to my first session.

Thanks

Paul

Hi Paul

It's good to hear life is improving for you.
All the best for your first counselling session to

All the best

Hi Deano,

Thankyou!! Really appreciate it.