Struggling

Maybe give Gamcare phoneline a ring and get some emergency advice?

In the past I've turned to the Samaritans for help when things have been bad. RING SOMEONE!

I agree you've gotta talk it through - it does help, ring Gamcare, or Samaritans (and it doesn't matter how many times!) I felt really bad a few days ago, and was thinking stupid things, but feel better for sharing and amseeing my Gp in a couple of days too.

Hi gbhsi 1 , My names Alan and I'm a Compulsive Gambler , Firstly I just wanted to say to you that your not a failure , yo know you have a problem and have had the sense to speak on here , I don't think a failure would do that , so you really need to give yourself some credit .

I can't comment on the depression as I've no real experience of that but I think you need to speak with your doctor as soon as you return from holiday , sorry I'm not sure if your away or not ?, the gambling boils down to one thing really and that's the money but the good news is that it can be replaced , however long that takes ?

Please know that I was where you were just 8 months ago and felt the same way as you do now , something stopped me from that act and that was the turning point at which I started to get my life back on track and looking back I'm so gratefull of that moment .

What your talking about is a permanent solution to a temporary problem and that will all change with a little guidance and support .

Please just realise that your not alone and as bad as thing's feel right now they will improve , I can only mirror TrI's advice and ask that you contact someone regarding your feelings at the moment .

Alan

Hi there, first of all can I tell you, you are not a failure. You have an addiction which has made you feel this way and, the fact that you have depression only compounds this feeling. Please see your GP as he may be able to help by adjusting your medication. There is absolutely no shame in suffering from depression, in fact it is an illness shared by many and there is lots of support for those of us who are depressed or have had depression in the past. You could have a look http://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/depression.php for extra support. As previously said contact the Samaritans for immediate telephone counselling or call the Out of Hours Service on Tel: 111 and you will be directed to the most appropriate person.

When we are down to the bones of our ar$es this is often the way we feel however, with counselling and support you can get through this. Keep a diary as it's great to get things out and remember it is for you and no-one else, although we like to chip in occasionally with support and encouragement and the odd high five. Please remember you matter and we are here for you.

Take care and please get in contact with someone tonight if you feel no better.

Wishing you well xx

Hello gbhsi1

I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling at the moment and I'm wondering how you're doing today. I can see you've had some good advice and support already. I hope you've managed to call our helpline or access support somewhere. It sounds like you've got a lot going on and feel hopeless at the moment. Living with your depression sounds really difficult and I can imagine that having a break from counselling sessions has not helped either. This coupled with trying to battle a gambling problem is a huge amount to cope with. I'm wondering what kind of support network you have. I hope there's a close friend or family member who you can talk to about this.

I would urge you to see your GP as soon as you can to discuss how you are feeling, and if you haven't already done so already give us a call on the helpline: 0808 8020 133 or Netline (open 24/7), or if you need urgent support outside of our hours then call the Samaritans: 116 123.

We are here for you and you're not alone with this. Please do look after yourself.

Best wishes

Laura

Hi - that comment 'a permanent solution to a temporary problem' has stuck with me. I'll tell you where I'm at. I feel constantly disappointed in myself for gambling and letting it take over me. I could have been in such a different position now if I never gambled. I know people continually tell me that you can't change the past and that's true!! I always kept at least one account open for gambling and that was a mistake! Today I rang up and self excluded myself for 5 years from that open account. Do I feel better? Well right now no...because I gambled before this and I've had so many chances to set things right or on the right course! I always think what other people will think of me..I know I've dissappointed my family not to mention my partner. Keeping a strong mind is difficult when it feels like I'm carrying a heavy burden. When you stop gambling...how long before you start to see things clearer and feel better?? Thanks for the replies...especially yours Alan as that comment has stuck with me.

Hi gbhsi1

I know that depression and gambling are very closely linked because for years I have not been participating in life. I had become isolated and jaded with life. Relationships scared me and I just saw women and friends as trouble. In some ways I was past caring about my dull depressed life

I had been dabbling at the edges of life and I realise now that I was far more ill than I thought. The thing with depression is that you can almost put a brave face on it. The reality is that circumstances or events from the past can shut the mind and body down so its only functioning on a certain basic level

The only hit I was seeking was gambling because it was quite a strong hit. Otherwise I was bored and didnt know what to do with myself. I think that is the problem which a lot of gamblers have to face up to

Do have a chat with the doctor as I found it very helpful. I am now trying to get my mind straight. I have stopped gambling because I finally realise Ive been very ill and need help towards a healthy mindset again. My counselling sessions have started and the main issue is that Ive not been right and Ive not been thinking straight.

There is no shame in admitting that and I now feel I am getting somewhere

I was very isolated and that gradually destroyed me. I didnt see the real problems creeping up on me. The gambling was a symptom of my very depressed mind. I was seeking the wrong things to do and I dont really go into town now. I would rather join clubs with interesting activities in the countryside

You do begin to feel much better when you know you have the proper blocks with close support and forum support. At that stage you know you are doing the right thing and can find out who you really are in counselling.

I told my parents everything and report on my days gamble free. I literally believe you have a born again moment in trying to revive a healthy state of mind

My very best wishes

Your story is mine

I too suffer from depression.

Have gone two weeks with out gambling hit rock bottom stole from my family and got arrested for theft.

I need a clean record to work so thats me screwed. .

Having a real bad day.

But i know if i stick with it things will get better.

Day 4 without gambling! Still feel rubbish about it all - stupidity

Hi gbhsi1

Things are tough at the start of the journey, we all feel the effects of our last gambling and the damage it has done but things do improve. Read through some of the recovery diaries and you will see people feeling the same as you at this time work through it and start to feel better. Make sure you speak to your doctor and I really advise therapy - this has helped me no end.

Even though you feel rubbish you are still gf and for that I give you a big pat on the back and say well done.

Keep going, your on your way to a better life!

6th day - today I really had the urge as I was home alone...but didn't! But 6 days is not really that much and still a lot of work to do. I think I'll start to feel better when a big chunk of my debt is gone! That's a hard reminder of what gambling has done for me!

Thanks rose 80..but I don't deserve anything right now.

Hi again, please do not feel you deserve nothing - we all deserve a fair go, friendship, support and understanding. Most of us have tried and failed many times to knock this all absorbing addiction out of our lives but it is not easy.

Please don't go it alone, finding a counsellor/therapist will help you to focus on why you gamble and, once we know how things work it is easier to put a spanner in it! I enjoyed my counselling sessions and it helped me face my demons and, although I no longer have regular sessions I know that my counsellor is a call away if I feel in any way tempted to start gambling again.

Take care my friend xx

Thanks for all your comments. I appreciate it. Still a long long way to go