Good morning everyone. It has been 5 days now since I last gambled. I am feeling positive, and so far I do not have an urge to gamble. The thing is over the last 18 months I have got myself so stressed, obviously with losing money every month and having debts, but myself and my family have also been through so much more over those months. It has started to come out physically. I have mouth ulcers, fatigue, and chest pains. I also get headaches, joint aches etc. I have been to my doctor and been tested for an array of health issues. All they could find was a vitamin D deficiency. I am just wondering if anyone else has had physical symptoms from stress related to the aftermath of gambling? I realise I have a long road ahead and am taking each day as it comes at the moment. I just didn't think stress could cause such nasty physical symptoms.
Hello bee2121
It's an interesting topic to start a thread on. One which will no doubt be a big concern for many people.
Firstly, I'm no medical practitioner so can only give my experience and thoughts, which I did take the time to consult with the NHS website (check it out), plus a couple of others to make sure my thoughts were accurate.
Mouth ulcers, fatigue, chest pains, headaches and joint pain are not only symptoms of stress but also seem to be classed as 'common symptoms'.
Good news is that the above problems early doors should be relatively straightforward to treat and recover from. Great news that you have been tested and a vitamin D deficiency was all that was found: very treatable.
I'm relaxed when I lose all my money and use gambling more to escape stress - which then the aftermath usually creates more.
I've gambled everything for many years. In the last couple my health problems have really stacked up. Mouth, chest and heart problems. Fatigue is a problem for me; can't say I suffer badly with headaches or joint pain. I got away with living like a vagrant and not eating for a long-time. It's the stress from living this way and gambling even money for food that has caused my problems. The gambling is - for me - partly to escape from the stress. It's no good - I'm shot.
All I can do is live right and try to reverse as many of my problems as I can.
Stay positive, keep away from gambling and see how you feel in a few weeks. I'm sure you will have been encouraged to go back to the doctor if your symptoms haven't improved - make sure you do. You could even ask for a second opinion.
Gambling will just trigger more problems. A physical problem can trigger low self-esteem. A mental problem can trigger a physical one. It just builds. Gambling will have a bigger affect than the one on your purse/wallet.
Well done for taking action, finding this site and your first 5 days.
Quit the gambling, stay positive, try not to worry, get your vitamin D and I'm sure you will be bringing more brightness into the lives of all those around you.
Best wishes
Glint
Hello Bee2121
We do have on this site in the (Get advice) section information on how gambling related stress can affect you. Please take a look at the link for more information.
http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/how-can-gambling-affect-your-life/mental-health
Hope this helps
Cade
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