Last two months I've fallen back into it after a fairly long period being GF. I've suffered depression most of my adult life. Around 10 years ago after a break down I was hospitalised. I can't recall being given a diagnosis other than depression but I was prescribed lithium - a common medication for bi polar. I've never made any connection until recently speaking to a counsellor about my current binge.Liks many people I considered bi polar to be wild lows to high swings. It isht the case.its on a spectrum He described my behaviour so accurately. I start a binge on the high not caring about money or consequences which then morphed into the addictive aspect..Ending with no enjoyment and disgust but the addictive aspect still holding but tailing off. The gaps between gambling widen eventually I'll stop but it will eventually start again with a high. It's a pattern I've followed for decades. Of course it's complicated by the addiction which comes after the high relents. I understand the dangers. I'm supported by MIND who are going to help me explore this further with proffesional help and evaluation.i just wanted to share this. I believe mental health issues are massively undiagnosed.For some perhaps it's at the core of their addiction. Identifying and treating could help on the road to recovery.
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Tough read MrMac. I hope you feel some relief by sharing all of that. I'm not sure what to say other than thank your for the share. I guess you know the triggers that pulled you back into the fog after good periods away from a bet. I guess also working with Mind you haven't been white knuckling abstinence and have worked on your thoughts and feelings with them. I'm only one thought and one bad action away from a bet but work everyday to build a life that has no room, need or want to gamble. That's not complacency as it takes a lot of work each day. I wish you well on another journey in your life and I guess you at least no what the road looks like and try to avoid the detoursÂ
Hi just as a wife of cg who is bipolar 2. I don’t think it’s what causes gambling, I think it’s the result.
i think you start when you’re depressed and it’s the feeling you get from gambling that self medicates you. Over time it’s a habit and you are in fight or flight mode.
this seriously affects you emotionally and mentally.Â
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Wishing you good mental health and a gambling free lifeÂ
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