New diary for 2024

Hi all, hope your all well.

Few weeks ago I reached my breaking point, I had a break down and was in hospital. I could see no way out and was in a very dark place. Anyway with lots of support and the right meds, I'm doing really well now. I'm happy,  I'm not gambling, got myself a job and feeling very positive for the future 🙂

Please, how ever low you get, never give up. Lifes too precious and we all deserve to be happy.

Take care,  stacey ❤ 

Sorry to hear this Stace, but the fact you are here is amazing. A few people have said that sometimes you need to hit the bottom before you can swim to the top. Worked for me and the bottom is now a place i fear and never want to return to. Remember this point and use it to focus on reaching your goals. Stepping back will only drag you down again.

Good luck in your journey. Keep us all updated.

Stay strong

@stace Hi Stace. So lovely to hear from you on here!🥲. So sorry to hear you have not been well but that you have been taken care of by the hospital and loved ones.  Go you, getting a new job!👏👏👏👏🩷.

Please keep in touch so we know you are doing well.

Sending you prayers and strength 🙏💪.

Pink Lady 🩷🍎.

Best thing ive read on here in ages, glad you are on the up! Enjoy your new job, relax and start to enjoy life.

Diary....

Here i am 125 days gamble free, my mental health is the best its ever been, I'm enjoying my life, I'm socialising with friends, I'm making fun memories with my partner, children and family, we've had some lovely days out, all I can actually afford now I'm not gambling again. I'm really happy, hope everyone on here is doing OK.

Never give up, keep fighting 💪 

Stace xxx 

@stace Hi Stace.  Fantastic news!👏👏👏👏👏🩷. I am on day 126! Lovely to read that you are doing so many positive and uplifting things too 👌.

I wish you strength and prayers on your continued journey.

Take care.

Pink Lady 🩷🍎.

So today I'm 146 days gamble free 🙂🙂

So happy with myself. Because of me not gambling, I've been able to do so much this summer.... did a family bbq, taken kids on days out and made so many memories, got all school uniforms early, just need to get there shoes but always leave that til the last week incase there feet grow over summer hols 🤣, booked and paid for the venue for my sons 18th in September, my son just wants money for his 18th so I've taken that out the bank and put it to one side.

Theres so much that has helped me these past 146 days, one being pure determination.  The thought of being stuck how I was , was unbearable. My mental health was the worst it had ever been, I was suicidal, even made an attempt on my life (which opened my eyes and I realised how much I DO want to live). I had no money as was gambling it all away. Had no social life. Distanced myself from my family and friends. Was literally at rock bottom. So I went on new med, which have really helped me. My mental health is best its been in years. I'm actually genuinely really happy and enjoying my life. 

I got myself a job. And I love it. Its a bit of time to myself and being around other adults. Its given my self confidence a huge boost. I opened a savings account with credit union and put some of my wages into that. Seeing it go up each week fills me with pride. With credit union you can lock a date that you want your payment. So I've locked mine for June 2025, to take my kids on holiday, and I can't access it til then, which makes me so happy as I've always been c**P at saving myself.

I've learnt so many coping techniques,  I practice them every day so when there is a day I'm struggling it comes easier to do as I've learnt them when I'm feeling ok. One I really like is splashing cold water on my face or taking a cold shower, when your not with it or are really struggling, it brings you back to the here and now. I also like the grounding techniques.  I definitely suggest people trying them, you can find them on Google or can get support from your health care providers. 

I've had huge support from my mental health team and other professionals, anyone who's struggling, please don't be afraid to reach out.

And the big thing for me is some me time. I neglected myself so bad and never had time to myself. Now I make sure I look after myself. I try go swimming 2/3 times a week. Just little things like taking a walk, or going for a nice candle lit bath, listening to some music, meeting friends for lunch, can be anything, just take some time for yourself.

Not so long ago I thought my life wasn't worth living, it actually nearly ended, but I turned things around. I'm living proof it can be done. Dont give up. Theres always a way out, you deserve to live a happy gamble free life.

Over the years I've not been the easiest person for gamcare staff to deal with, and for that I apologise. But thank you for always being there and supporting me. And thsnkyou to all my wonderful peers on here.

We've got this 🥰

@stace Well done Stace. So happy for you. 👏👏👏👏🩷.

Enjoy your life going forward. So many lovely plans with great outcomes 👌.

Pink Lady 🩷🍎.

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