I will no longer allow gambling to ruin my life….

Oh Em well done, day 4 get you!!

I had a flat day yesterday, it was horrible but spoke to my counsellor and she reassured me it's quite normal, so I went with that 

Today is better, trying to keep busy but I'm doing OK

Glad you're getting that smile back, here if you need a chat

Again well done you!!! xx

Day 4

Well I’m still gamble free! 💪

This morning I woke up feeling just a little better. The (what I call) gambling fog is definitely starting to lift and I don’t feel as hazy. After a big loss, my go to is to chase. It’s always a dangerous first 3 days for me so I’m proud of myself for getting this far but I know I’ve still got a long way to go.

I did my exercises this morning and then had the longest hot bath and washed my hair. This is probably gross but I was thinking how much personal hygiene goes out the window when one is in a downward gambling spiral.

I ate better today which is great because I’m severely constipated (sorry TMI) - but I am and it’s because I have no appetite when I’m stressed. Maybe I’ll try and get something from the GP.

I then tackled more admin that I’ve been neglecting for months. I felt accomplished and then stupid for not doing it sooner. Things actually aren’t that bad when you just start it. The hardest thing is actually starting.

anyway, I suppose I feel flat today but I’m ok and absolutely determined to not gamble just for today. I can only cope with one day at a time right now because my stupid gambling brain keeps trying to trick me with the promise of that ‘big win’…. Yeah that big win that if get, I’ll never take anyway 🤦‍♀️

Day 4 is in the bag, I will stay close to my diary and I really appreciate the support.

Em x

@traceyj 

Snap!! The flat feeling is quite difficult to explain. I think that gambling offers us a sort of synthetic dose of Dopamine which our brain gets used to so without it nothing feels good enough anymore, nothing excites me. 

I think in time, our brains will regulate back to normal and we can start getting enjoyment out of ‘normal’ things.

im here for you too Tracey. We got this!

I can so relate Em, I used to get in from work and start gambling straight away,  no thought of eating or personal care

But tonight got home, made a cuppa and had a shower, now cracking on with some housework

I feel quite fresh lol

 I'm not getting complacent I know it can be so easy to get back spinning again so taking each day like you, I can't think of the past losses,  every day not gambling is a winning day

Xx

What you have both described is just the beginning. It takes a while but little by little you will start to become what I call ‘normal’ again. Giving up gambling is like losing a friend. It was your safe space, your escape. It made you neglect real life. In the coming weeks and months you will start to find pleasure in going for a walk, finishing the ironing, putting some shopping in your cart (with a little treat as you deserve it). 

It’s a long road ahead but take motivation from each other and those in here. Time will fly by after you get a few weeks under your belt and before you know it you’ll feel like a normal person. Then you can enjoy life instead of hiding in a wonderland of shiny lights designed to take your money!

You got this. Stay strong 💪