Hi Guys,
I am new to this and just wanted to share a little story of my problem.
I’m 25 years old and live with my partner and my little 9 month old daughter.
I have been gambling for about 8 months now and feel like I have hit an all-time low. I have lost 1000s of pounds and have been having sleepless nights and suicidal thoughts. I contacted the doctors to let them know about my thoughts and have a meeting with them tomorrow.
My partner now knows that I have been gambling and that I have lost all our money and not paid the bills this month. She also now knows that I’ve had suicidal thoughts and is helping me with this based on what I’ve told her.
She has surprisingly been supportive and is helping me take my first steps to recovery.
I know it’s not far but it’s my 2nd day of not gambling today and I made the decision to go to the gambling shop by myself and self-exclude myself. Found it very relieving knowing that if I try go back into the shop they will kick me out.
I spent about an hour in the shop today waiting for the manager to come back so that I knew I can finally do that, I had money in my pocket which I could spend if I wanted but I kept my cool and just watched and talked with other and managed to leave the shop with my money not moved out my pocket.
Any of you have some ideas or tips on ways to focus my mind on something else? Or have the same experience as me and could have a little chat about things what have changed in your lives since giving up and how to stay focused?
All help would be very appreciated.
NJ
Hi there having read your post , I am in a similar position iv gambled for over 15 years and I'm sick to death of it.
Hi just for today. Have you given up for long? What has been the hardest times for you since?
NJ
NJ well done on going to the shop... That must have been tough....you have so much to look forward to, your wife and daughter...you can have a love and fun filled future. You have started the journey, just take it one day at a time.
HI NJ,
Well done for taking those first steps towards your recovery. There are many things to keep you occupied and positively engaged. However, it would be more effective if those things came from you. We provide free counselling sessions that could help you with that process. Speaking to a counsellor could help you understand your gambling behaviour and make some deeper changes, explore yourself and develop new interests.
Also, it’s great that you self-excluded but it would be best to do that with all your local betting shops so you are not tempted to walk into another one in the future. It is now possible to ring a single number to get details on how to self-exclude from multiple bookmakers in a local area. The number is: 0800 294 2060
You may keep a daily diary on this site to keep yourself focused on your recovery and get feedback and support by other members. There is also the Chat Room here every day where you can join and share your thoughts with others.
Feel free to contact GamCare and speak to an advisor for more advice and support.
Best wishes,
Forum Admin
Would you like to chat NJ I'm 27 in the same problem?
Rhoda, thank you for the comment. It was tough not to use the machines but i was very happy with myself once i left as i knew i had done one of my first steps all by myself. Tommorrow i am going to meet my 2 best mates what dont have any idea that i have problem and going to tell them. Then start letting family know and then work. 🙂 I am looking forward to what is ahead for me with my partner and my daughter. Just feel soo bad for my partner to have to put up with me and what i have done. I have told her that she can leave me if she wants but she is willing to stay and try help me 🙂
Hi Admin, "We provide free counselling sessions that could help you with that process. Speaking to a counsellor could help you understand your gambling behaviour and make some deeper changes, explore yourself and develop new interests." Please can you tell me where i can get counselling sessions and speak with to understand my own behaviour?
Also, it’s great that you self-excluded but it would be best to do that with all your local betting shops so you are not tempted to walk into another one in the future. It is now possible to ring a single number to get details on how to self-exclude from multiple bookmakers in a local area. The number is: 0800 294 2060. I will ring this number tommorrow. Be like a reward for me tommmorrow knowing that ive done something else in order to help me stop 🙂
Yeah i have thought about keeping my own diary at home and hopefully one day i can look back on this as a positive step in mine and my familys life.
Hi Ash23,
Yeah would love to know how you are coping and managing to give up with your partner knowing and how they are supporting you.
NJ
ash23 wrote: Would you like to chat NJ I'm 27 in the same problem?
Hi NJohnson. Congratulations on addressing your gambling problems and disclosure to your partner of your serious dilemma. However, these machines will constantly give you temptations, but will only lead to heartbreak. You have support from your loved ones and that means alot, so don't take this for granted. Believe in a better future without gambling. You're worth it.
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
