Hi,
I was wondering how people cope with feelings of guilt and regret? Having wasted well over £20,000 over the last 8 years through gambling and now being in a worse financial position that I ought to be, I have very deep feelings of regret and shame that I'm finding difficult to manage.
I know that what's done is done. Logically, I know there's no point in dwelling on past mistakes, but **** me, I'm finding it tough. I want to scream.
Hi. You have that feeling for years unless you pay off that money. get yourself into a better financial position and it will get better. Been working my b**t off with a second job and my partner has looked after the money for me. I reached a goal yesterday for holiday spending money. You need to work hard and not gamble again. Ever!! That's the important part. I think over 15 years I have gambled in excess of £20000 too. Keep strong!
Hi, likewise I have a large debt.
Try to look forward and not back. You can't get that money back but you can take actions now to help finances in the future. It won't be forever if you stop now
Good luck
Hi Martin,
I keep a list on my phone on a 'notes app' or can use a simple piece of paper
Loan A - £xxx
Loan B - £xxx
Car finance - £xxx
Total at the bottom to go, like a countdown, each time a payment goes out it's a good feeling to calculate the new lower total, and also everytime I look at the total it's a reminder of what a fool I've been gambling and makes me not want to gamble again.
May not work for everyone but I found it helps, makes me want to lower the total ASAP and not gamble, good look with recovery !
Also as hard as it is don't regret the 20K just think that by not gambling your avoiding the next 20k debt !
Its just money fellas. Sometimes in life we have it sometimes we dont. Your finances are just a symptom of your illness. Try & focus on what is important & the money will work itself out naturally. Addiction is not a financial problem it is a life one. Recovery begins with the commitment towards building a happy fulfilled life not on clearing our debts
Hi Martin,
Interesting thread, I’m with day@atatime, i do regret the money lost but its way down on my list.
Things I regret about gambling more than money lost:
Contributed to the breakdown in my family.
Took time, energy and attention away from my daughters.
I manipulated, lied and stole.
There are many more, money will come again IF we stop gambling, my family will not, and the what ifs will haunt me for life.
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