A year wasted.

Katiecoo wrote: I joined this forum one year ago. In the last year I have refrained from gambling and relapsed numerous times. I feel ashamed and I feel nervous, but I am determined to sort myself out before 2018. Don't waste away a year like I have.

Welcome back Katie.

How are things with you? x

I'm good Moorey TY. Life isn't bad for me, but it would be perfect without this addiction. It has given me ups and downs this year I don't have huge debts, but neither have they moved in the last year. Every penny I waste gambling should have been spent on my family and put away for their future. I really have wasted the last year. Win or lose I don't even enjoy gambling anymore, it's like a nervous reaction, an anxiety trigger, I just want a calm life

What’s been your downfall when gambling? Slots? Roulette?

It’s time to string some meaningful days together now, Katie.

Let’s have a good run until Christmas and then see where that takes us.

The longer you spend gamble-free, the better your finances/future will look. It’s that simple. Why live a life of stress and anxiety. Life presents us with enough challenges without us self inflicting more problems.

You can do this girl! Think positive.

Any new measures that you’re going to put in place this time around?

As soon as I see a new site advertised I join and immediately self exclude. I know that if I don't do this I subconsciously hold onto the name of the site and end up joining on a weak day. My vice is online slots. I don't go near bookies or bingo anymore, don't buy the lottery and couldn't justify buying scratchcards with cash in my hand? But online my money doesn't feel real until it leaves my account. I see Moorey we both joined around the same time last year and as you say, let's get some days behind us , a head start this time into the new year. I have no desire to gamble and don't want to spoil yet another xmas

Just downloaded a money management app, so I don't need to constantly log on and view my bank account which freaks me out. Hopefully this way I will feel in control

Well come and join me and we can walk this journey together!

Nobody ever said it would be easy. But neither is it impossible.

Keep reading the forum. There’s some really inspirational and positive diaries to be read.

I too want a gamble free Christmas to enjoy with the family.

Let’s make this dream happen.

Are you with me?....

Hi katie

I would not say the year has been a waste. Yes you have slipped up a few times, but you tried, and youw ant to do it. You will get there, keep trying and posting on here.

Good Luck

Ant

Hi Katie am all too familiar of online money not feeling 'real', don't feel like you have wasted a year as I'm sure you will take into consideration everything that has happened for your new GF future. Best win and take care S:)

Ty Ant, I've tried but not hard enough. Yes Moorey im with you. I seem to be a binge gambler and could go for weeks no gambling then gamble...to the same detrimental effect as a daily gambler. I will check in on you and hopefully you on me weekly, let's say every Sunday? Ty for your support

Hi Sharon, Well done you are doing brilliantly, any tips? How are you finding life gambling free?

Katiecoo wrote: Ty Ant, I've tried but not hard enough. Yes Moorey im with you. I seem to be a binge gambler and could go for weeks no gambling then gamble...to the same detrimental effect as a daily gambler. I will check in on you and hopefully you on me weekly, let's say every Sunday? Ty for your support

Deal! Let’s starting making life better for ourselves... 🙂

Hi katie

Sorry to ask, but do you have any mental health conditions? (I Have)

Do you feel stressed before you agmble? Just wondering as you said binge gambling.

Hi Katiecoo, your internet provider can block adult sites, which stops gambling sites. I think mobile phone providers can do something similar. Getting blocks in place makes it easier. Is there anyone who can monitor your spending or even take control of your finances for a while? Have you thought about joining Gamblers Anonymous? I think it is difficult to stem this addiction if you don't seek support....it thrives if it is kept a secret. You and Moorey will be able to encourage and support one another up till Christmas...keep talking.

Hi Ant, I suffer from severe anxiety, stems I believe from when my partner had cancer and was close to death with two young children. I gamble when I panic that he could die and I need to pay bills, then I loose and panic that I am in a mess or win and panic as I feel consumed by gambling thoughts. It's not a calm way of living. If I stop gambling I could easy save 500 pounds a month, which in turn would lessen my long term fears. I was prescribed citolpram which helped with the impulse thoughts for a while. My father is currently terminally I'll. I know what's coming in the new year and need to get my mind sorted to get me through this. I also need to stop the compulsive checking of my bank account. I know u have enough to live on so should just live and stop obsessing about money. Having gambled for many years I have an unhealthy relationship with money, with a pattern that needs broken. It's going to be a tough few months ahead until I form new routines and achieve new goals