Honesty is the best policy

Hi lhn and welcome
It's good to see such a positive mind set in your first diary post.

It's great you have your family to lean on also for support.

Just a little tip if online is you preferred route to gambaling
How about ordering a new bank card and getting a loved one to scratch the cvv code off the back
Which makes it impossible to use
On a online gambling site?

Best wishes for your journey
The days will soon stack up
Deano

Thanks for your comment Deano. I have thought about that but I like ordering shopping and things online but I've taken all of the other steps to stop myself from going on to gambling sites.

Day 5 for me today and I have all sorts of thoughts. Like I shouldn't have done that and I'm missing out on this and that. I've tried to think about everything I can have instead and planning what I can do with my money when I get paid. Weekends are the hardest for me as I have more spare time but I'm purposely saving my housework until the weekend and plans to see family so I can keep myself busy.

L x

Hi L, thank you for posting on my page and thank you for sharing your story! Having re-read my diary today from Sep I also can't believe the progress, the dog fence in mind set, the focus. I absolutely understand how you feel, it's early days, by a huge well done on day 5 and joining this site! We are all here to help, listen and encourage each other. We all choose a path in life and I'm far from proud the dreaded gambling path I chose and the path I chose for so long! I've always been a positive, out going person, but my did gambling take that all away from me! I didn't recognise myself for a long time and that took me a while to come to terms with, but I can honestly say if you stick with it, set yourself little goals, you will feel good again, positive and enjoy the little things in life. I wish you well in your recovery and remember we are here for you through it all. Take Care C x

Difference...not did fence! Sorry x

Thanks for your message, Charley. My two tests this month will be my first full weekend GF as that's when I have the most time and after payday this month.

I can't help thinking about how much I've lost and what I could have done with the money, not a good idea to dwell but I suppose it'll help me stay away from the person I used to be!

x

Keep strong LHN - you've hit double figures. Next time, treble figures. It can be done and you can seriously do it 🙂

Thanks, Mixer. I told my partner today that I use this forum and he seemed pleased. So all is good at the moment 🙂 Day 12!

Hi lhn.
How are you?
It's good to see your partner is being supportive

Hi Dean0,

I'm ok. Feeling up and down this week emotionally so it's a bit tough. How are you getting on?

Hi sorry your feeling a bit down, but well done on your days so far and it will get better. you have to stop thinking about the losses and draw a line under them, you cannot do anything about the past only the future and as long as you don't gamble anymore you will start to feel the benefits. I'm not talking just financially I mean health wise, sleep wise, liking yourself again, getting pleasure out of the little things in life that we miss whilst in the midst of all the stress of gambling. I do lots of different things to keep occupied, puzzles, an adult colouring book, I've joined a gym and I wonder now how I had the time to gamble. Stay strong and positive x

Hi LHN,

Well done you. I have just given up as well, it is Day 10 for me today. I am booked in for a counselling assessment tomorrow evening. My problem was FPBT's and the onlin world of Roulette. I am not in that far, debt wise, but it was just draining me. I understand what you mean about buying something, I did my food shopping today in the happy kmowledge that I wouldn't be short of money. There will be days and I know probably the same for you when it is harder. I worked all over this weekend, so have quite a healthy bank balance to come on Friday, but am determined to do this. Take care and best of luck. x

Hi Anon and JI35,

Thank you both for your kind messages. I had thought about puzzles and I have lots of adult colouring books (the patterns help to calm me down too). I am trying to get better at dealing with my emotions and I am becoming less anxious. Definitely think gambling used to play a massive part in making me feel anxious and it also played with my emotions too. Is it normal to think about what I could have done with the money? I'm currently on Day 17. Will the feeling of guilt subside at some point? X

Hi, the more days you remain gf the better you will feel, gambling causes anxiety amongst a lot of other things, none of which are good. I think you will have to really try not to think of the losses or what you would have done with the money if you had won, there is only one winner and it's the online casino,s, bingo sites, bookies etc., best wishes x

It's been a little while since I've posted, however I'm doing well! My Mum now checks my bank account on a weekly basis which definitely helps me. I do still read people's posts on here as it does help me also. I also like to add a kind of helpful word if I think I can make the slightest bit of difference.

X