Thanks guys for the support.
Just sat at home on the laptop after ordering a big curry for myself! Everytime I go to spend on my card I start to mentally work out how much is left in my bank and start to worry. It's illogical really but been doing it for many years, that's going to take some changing. I know people that don't check their banks every month and just know there is always enough in! Imagine that!
Think I'm starting to come down with man flu so wrapped up hoping to nip it in the bud so I can go out tomorrow.
Been doing a lot of reading on various websites about problem gambling and really feel like getting involved, trying to help others and push for changes in government legislation where certain practises could change and help people struggling with gambling. NHS is a big fall back where there is very little help, we all put into it so should be there when we need it.
Touch of the man flu today, today is day 21.
No gambling although surrounded by football and people talking about betting on social media.
Started reading a book called 'The Chimp Paradox' which is supposed to help change the way you think about things and help you stop worrying and anxiety etc. First chapter was excellent and already starting to learn about how my brain has been working all these years. Looks like I might be staying in tonight so might have a good read of the next chapter or two. It's recommended by lots of sports proffesionals, as it helps them stop worrying about their performances and just get on with what they know they can do. Worth a look I think if you have the time.
Bit bored already tonight! Want to go out but couple of mates dropped out and feeling a bit under the weather so might be best saving the pennies.
Day 22, still going strong, few too many beers last night but didn't go anywhere near the fruit machines which is common for me, I stopped playing them as much as I used to anyway. Never seemed to win on them any way! But I'd usually throw my change in and it all adds up. Spent less than I thought I would last night which was a bonus!
Out for a meal later on but very tired now! Sleeping is difficult for me, restless mind usually, hoping to get another hour or two in bed before i have to go out.
zzzzzzzz
Day 23.
Working right up to Xmas Eve so had to leave the wife in bed today, who has finished for Xmas 🙁
Looking through the bookies window near work today at 8.30, fully open, lights shining from the roulette machines. No one was in but I've been in there before work for a cheeky few spins. Bit hard to take how much of a degenerate I was/am.
Also drove through a poor area of Manchester last night and a bookies was open at 8pm, full of people, don't think these would have been recreational gamblers some how.
Looking forward to seeing 2014 out and making December a gamble free month. Lot's to look forward to next year, despite the fact I'll be skinter than ever I'm feeling positive at the moment!
Glad to hear you are still gamble free mate. Just to point you to the direction of the 2015 challenge. I joined the 2014 version last year. Take a look and maybe it will interest you, its in the overcoming gambling section.
Hi tears,
Well done on keeping strong, next year is going to be a great gambling free year for all of us as long as we abstain and maintain, taking one day at a time
Take care
Suzanne xx
Good work tears, you ve done very well so far can't wait to get to day23. I will be keeping a close eye on your diary.
Went to my GP tonight to see what help they can give me, the NHS really don't know what to do for problem gamblers.
I can be referred but it would put me into a triage system where they decide what the best course of action is and due to problem gambling being a 'niche' subject I might not get referred for a long time.
Instead he recommended a charity called Mind, its for people with anxiety and any sort of mental health issues. I honestly believe gambling is the sympton of some deep rooted pyscological problem, in my case anyway, so I'm more than happy to explore this root. They offer free CBT, counselling and hypnotherapy so could be good, I'll update as soon as I hear!
Day 24
Despite feeling much relieved since my secret out and feeling the anxiety lift massively, I'm still struggling for sleep.
Cream crackered today! Hopefully have a long sleep tonight and then I'll be fresh for the Xmas festivities!
No thoughts of gambling really. Boxing Day I used to do a lot of gambling but at my mums for Xmas dinner. Probably having a few drinks with my mates that gamble between Xmas and New Year and that will probably be the hardest but quietly confident 🙂
Day 25
Probably won't be on tomorrow so Happy Xmas to everyone just in case. Hope everyone has a peaceful and gamble free day with loved ones!
I'm fighting back a cold with berocca and paracetamol but sure I'll be fine 🙂
Gambling no real thoughts, had a dream last night I was gambling and woke up disappointed with myself!
In work until about 12.30 then 8 days off! Can't wait!
Off to get some bits and bobs for small Xmas presents for my wife, she knows I don't have the money for anything special but still feel a bit sad I couldn't get her anything decent.
Hi mate,keep up the great work,just think about what you can buy your Mrs next year,or for her birthday,I'm sure she's just as happy knowing what a massive step you've made,all the best!
Day 27
Hope everyone had a nice Xmas Day. Far too much food and drink consumed here but all good 🙂
No betting or real thoughts of it. A few fleeting thoughts of how it's possible to turn £20 into £1k but far more often it's possible to turn £1k into zero!
Today I'm at my mums for another Xmas meal so should be no opportunity to gamble. Sunday I'm out with a few mates to watch football and have more than a few pints so that's the real test as a few will definitely have football bets and probably play fruities.
Hi pal,well done on another day gone,like you say it's easy when the opportunity isn't there,I'm off to footy Today,and will be amongst mates who all have bets on the footy,it's not easy,but for me the coupon was never a problem,I used to have the odd fiver or tenner but no way would I consider putting say 100 quid on a coupon,yet I'd put 500 quid in a fobt without a second thought,in a way I wish I could still have so called fun bets,but I know that I can't as it will lead to temptation,I'm gonna follow my mates bets with them and wish them luck,and know that whatever the outcome I'm winning! Keep at it mate,you're doing great!
Made up to see you are still going strong mate, I think I'm a day behind you and it would be so good to stay like that for the remainder of this year and then 2015. I'm also out at the football on Sunday and will be with lads putting football bets on, it is a challenge but I try to think about how they will all lose and of course there will be x and y teams that let them down from the big win. For me and you we could get that big football coupon in but it wouldn't be enough and we would give it back and more. Keep making the right choices, you're doing good!
Cheers guys,
Day 28, my 4th Saturday without gambling..
My uncle gave us a ten minute story about how he's won a few bets over the last few weeks. He's not much of a gambler but enjoys to spin a yarn so I had to appear interested when in fact I didn't really want to hear it! The thought of gambling is still exciting, possibly always will be, luckily I am still determined and now it's a downward spiral from the first bet.
Out to try and find an open hairdressers shortly then it's a day of relaxing after a hectic few days, make a start on the selection boxes!
Got quite a lot of money for Xmas and could do with some new clothes but my new years resolution is to lose weight so not much points in buying new clothes
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