My world has fallen apart

90 days now, today is the first time I've had some sort of niggling feeling saying a little bet won't hurt, but it always does, just so relieved I signed up to gamstop, can wake up in the morning without that feeling of what have I done, I urge any new members of this forum to sign up to it.It is a lifesaver, All best to everyone.

Thank you ALN, what really resonates with me now is the fact that when I was submerged in the gambling mist, it took over all my thinking it was all I wanted to do, and it does make you become selfish as nothing else seems to matter once you are in that mode.

We have to remember the hurt we feel after a heavy loss doesn't just affect us, it's everyone around us, and seeing my mum in tears and saying she doesn't want to be here anymore after I lost all that money, was enough for me to say enough is enough it can be done and it will be done.

I want to do this for myself but most of all, I want to show my mum I can do this, each day does get easier, but like I say all new members get the blocks in asap x

154 days now, still got a long way to go but each week ticked off is another milestone, life is so much better when you finally stop gambling.

I found that if I got the urge, I went into the https://www.gamcare.org.uk/forums/family-friends

Family and friends forum. Those stories fortify me not to gamble after reading what it does to family and friends. Horrendous stories on there. I wish you well.

180 days free from gambling now , it doesn't take long before your life starts to improve so much once you finally decide enough is enough.

I'm over 200 days free from gambling now did I think this was possible back in early june, no chance but through hard work and self discipline, but most of all learning to love yourself again, small steps all the time, but each day without gambling is one more step up that long ladder, I've still got many steps to climb, but I can now see the summit, just going to keep on climbing that ladder and hopefully by Christmas next year I will be close to the top, keep going everyone, to all that are starting on the bottom rung I was there and it was so hard to pick myself up, but just believe in yourself and you can achieve anything you want, merry Christmas and love to all x x

Hi Simon

200 days GF, that is wonderful

A great gift to yourself and your mum .

I’m just beginning my GF journey, but I am encouraged by all who share their stories .

Stay strong ,

Carol

299 days free from gambling now, can't believe how quickly it has gone, my life is so much better from where it was, nearly a year ago, I appreciate the little things in life now that, before I would just take for granted.Going into town today and seeing homeless people sleeping in doorways is so sad to see, but also makes me realise that could easily have been me this year if I'd have carried on down that same road.

The one thing I want to say to everyone, especially those that are just starting out on this journey, is try to be kind to yourself, and most importantly dont dwell on what has happened, it prevents you from moving forward, I did for a little while, and realised it was getting me nowhere, you just have to commit 100 per cent to stopping and You will see your life improve immeasurably.Love to all x

Simon, well done! You are inspiration to many of us. I am happy for you and your mother! Enjoy the weekend and never look back

Thankyou @Oneofyou, that means a lot to me, I just hope that anyone who is currently struggling with their own gambling, can take heart from my personal story.To everyone currently struggling at the moment, just believe in yourself, dont beat yourself up over what has happened, hop on board the gamble free train, it may be a little bumpy at first, but it soon levels out, it's the best journey you will ever take, before you know it 12 months will have passed and you will be in a position like me to help others.Love to all Simon x

So nearly a year now, and I still haven't gambled, and have no desire to, just this last week or so just started remembering back to this time last year and getting a little sad, thinking of how i used to be, all my reckless behaviour just got me a little bit emotional.

You worked so hard Simon and you can do it again. Expect this time you will win. You will reach the top of the mountain and not slip off. After reading your story about how this has affected your mom you have inspired me to not relapse. I'm gonna do it now. I am currently at my mothers due to gambling problems and it's not great as she had a stroke a few years ago. i'm gonna make her proud as you will yours. i know not gambling can rob us of of our hope but you succeed without as you mentioned. Forget about the 5 grand you made gambling. You just risk hurting yourself again. Someone believes in you

Over a year now without gambling, no thoughts of it at all anymore I've come to realise the more important things in life these days, hope you all are doing well even those who said i couldn't do it in the beginning.

Inspirational. Congrats