HopefullyHi, I've been gambling since I was aloud and before to be true full, but after 15 years I think enough is enough. I've been reading posts for last 2 days wondering if I should write one or just try and cope on my own, but I've tried that many times. Like many I've lost money said I'd stop, I haven't a problem the usual but after a long look in the mirror I think I am going to be in the same situation at 50 still telling myself i fine. I think I can stop it's just the mental side of things, think I've been depressed for many years and gamebling is my escape. I do socialise very well and always think about gambling everyday and usually do. I just want me head to be normal and just think about everyday things and actually care about something that isn't gambling. Hopefully this is the first step to me getting my life and mind right and ending years of just bad ups and even worse downs!
Welcome mgd.
No matter what age you are there's always time to change.
I remember one night in chat talking to a 75 year old widow. Who just had enough of gambaling away her pension every time. Like I say it's never to late.
Have you spoken with your doctor about your depression?
If not I would pop in and see what he can do.
Do you gamble because you are depressed or are you depressed because you gamble?
There's plenty of support on here and elsewhere you just have to look for it.
Keep us updated on your journey
Bw
Deano
Hi Mgd2510.
Welcome to the forum.
You talk a lot of sense so I think you finally realise enough is enough.
You appear to be an escape gambler which is very common so you are not alone in that.
You will not be able to recover properly without the full network of blocks and being honest with everyone close that you can talk to.
Believe me that stops it while your mind heals. I wont say too much here but you have more to learn about how the addiction controls you and forms neuron paths in the brain. The brain gets its electro chemicals and your bank account gets emptied...its so powerful as a form of mind control especially for a zone out escape
There is plenty of help for you so please ring gamcare and a chat with the doctor is a good idea
You must stop right now or you will be fify and wondering where all the money went. It takes that born again or phoenix moment...Are you fully ready because its going to take self exclusions online/ towns and blocking software on your gadgets.
So please remember its not hopefully...its STRONG ACTION then things do come right. You know you want them out of your life and they will be...you wont break proper blocks and you must never be complacent. I lost my gold ring and was very very nearly off again in another town so you must be prepared and discuss every option
Its action! its getting to that photo booth with a surging sense of pride. The best day of my life was doing something about it. I have never felt so proud filling out the exclusion forms in there. I have been renewing them in the last week and its easy to do
Best wishes from everyone on the forum
That's a good question all I can say is I remember a time when I wasn't depressed and I didn't gamble. For as long as I can remember gambling I've never really been happy. I feel it's got to a point where my brain cannot cope with trying to be normal but really having another life which just revolves around gambling. I must say since I've read other people's thoughts I can see light at the end of the tunnel. I've seen a councillor before about the depression but not really explained my gambling full and it helped for a while I've always thought I controlled my gambling but reading other people's posts it's just what it makes you think in your head. I think it's all or nothing totally stop because once you start small it just sucks you back in. Thanks for the post
Hi mgd. Welcome to the forum and wishing you real progress in defeating the gambling addiction.
You make some very important points: Thinking that we can control it, but actually we are being controlled and the realisation that even the first small bet could lead toan escalation to serious levels.I believe there is a definite link between depression and gambling, but recovery is always possible.​
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