I have recently moved here from overseas, i had a minor problem prior to moving but thought that would be a thing of the past when I move here. Lockdown has seen me gambling a lot more and chasing my loses a lot more. The past two weeks I have gambled a lot more than i ever have. I have lost a substanial amount of money which has triggered serious anxiety problems. I have banned myself from all accounts and been clean for a few days now, i was wondering if anyone had any advice to help with my anxiety problems which has gotten increasingly worse. Was also unsure of how long it took people to get out of the detox stage and start to feel normal again? Also what ways to cope with withdrawal symptoms did you find successful? thank u for support
Hi there,
Welcome,you probably made the best decision towards better mental health and overall wellbeing by quitting gambling!
From my experience as really heavy gambler (over 11years of playing and loosing almost everyday)when you have blocks in place it’s already Good Start for recovery.
Then you have to keep yourself busy to take you attention away from playing.I read this read a lot ,I take my dogs for a walk,I watch some inspirational films.
Gamecare offer some great help also.
You just need to trust that everyday your urges will lessen,what will reduce your anxiety level also.
I’m now 3months GF,which is an immense achievement for me.My mood swings stopped.Sometimes I get agitated,but it’s nothing in comparaison while I was actively playing.And I have some small amount on my account left-which let me treat myself with something nice:)
Just please stay on the road to recovery,you can do it!!
all the best?
Dear Thomas,Â
Welcome to GamCare and for your post on the forum. It sounds like you are having a difficult time at the moment; a big move and coping with lockdown, which has all had a negative impact on your anxiety.
Well done for reaching out; there is a lot of advice and support available here; if you have not already done so I would recommend getting in touch with the helpline either on 0808 8020 133 or via the live chat function, both of which are available 24 hours a day and where you can talk to one of our team of advisers for support and information on gambling blocks, and 1-1 treatment support. You might also like to have a look at this link for further resources and advice around managing stress and anxiety https://www.gamcare.org.uk/gambling-impacts/coronavirus-looking-after-your-mental-wellbeing/
As well as this forum, we also run daily chat rooms at 1.00pm and 8.00pm where you are also able to talk to others who may be going through similar experiences to yourself.Â
Please don't be alone with this; we are here to support you in any way that we can.
Wishing you all the very best,
Helen
Forum Admin
Thank you Thomas. I started my firts day of gamstop. Its terrible but hearing your story helps me stsy positive and strong. Its really hard i dont know what to do.
Â
Thank you ThomasÂ
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.
