new to this - day 1

I 21 years old female - the thing I find so hard about my gambling is nobody knows I am doing it. And have nobody to speak to which I think this makes it a lot worse. When I gamble I go into my own little world, I shut everybody out. I also find I can get quite nasty or be very sh*tty with people as I take it out on them. I have lost a lot of money but I am 21 and after readin a lot of posts tonight I have definately done the right thing to try and get this sorted now before it gets to bad. I just hope I can do this, just feel so low at the moment that I have not got the will power to get through it.

Hi J100

I know that you have lost a lot of money this year, but I think that you should be proud of the fact that you have admitted it now that you realise it is a problem for you and I think that shows that you are willing to help yourself. Many people like myself have been gambling for years and don't acknowledge the damage it's doing. I kept telling myself that it was recreational, but I can't think of any other recreational activities that I would pay thousands of pound for!

I am glad I have finally admitted it, since I started gambling I have been so unhappy and depressed before I gambled I was a very happy social person. As the months have gone by gambling has taken the person I was a year ago. But that's where I realise I can't carry on being who I have become - this site has helped me out so much tonight reading other peoples stories. Because you feel like the only person going through this till you come on here and see how many other people are going through or have been through it. And it is very positive reading peoples posts how long they have been gamle free for. I hope I can read back on this in a few months and still be gamble free.

J100, welcome and congratulations for making it here.

You'll find a wealth of experience and support. Everybody has their own way of doing things when quitting gambling but there are a few things you should consider:

1 - Confiding in someone so that you have someone to turn to.

2 - Giving control of your finances to someone else so even when yo have the urge you can't satisfy it.

3 - Exclude yourself from as many gambling sites or establishments as possible so you simply can't do it.

I've given up more times than I care to remember, but this is the longest I've ever gone without a gamble since 17 and it's mainly down to this site and it's members.

At 21, you've got your whole life to look forward to. Forget your losses, you can't, and won't get them back. Look to the future with positivity and a desire to start a new gamble free life. It is possible, and it feels great!

I look forward to reading your progress.

Take care,

M

Hey j100. thanks for your support on my diary 🙂 I wish you the best of luck on your road to recovery. Always remember.. The next time you have an urge to gamble. We can not win because we can not stop. And if we do not start.. We can not lose. Forget about the loss.. Its hard but we will never win it back. 21 Is a great age to start afresh. Have you read kyles recovery diary? there's a short story in there... All I can say is.. Reading it puts a lot of stuff into perspective

Thank yoy only1winner, means so much. There's a lot of great people on here. And with the support I really hope I can get through this. And I shall read kyles recovery. Thanks again 🙂

J. ..self exclude, bet filter computer, ga, gamcare counsellin,basic cash card, trusted one incontrol of monies, carry little as possible, start a new hobby and keep reading and posting on a regular basis. ..you'll get loads support here. ..good luck to you it can be done 😉

hi j, how are you doing?

I really do wish that I had something like this when I was 21. But I am 40 now and life really does begin at 40.

Just think where you will be at 40... What a lovely thought!

Please stop gambling NOW and don't ruin your life for the next 19 years.

Your future is looking much brighter, all the very best and keep us updated.

GT

Hi J100... as with Gt I woosh that something like this exisited when i was 21... keep reading and posting it really does help to see that you are not alone and that you can stop gambling and stay stopped.. a day at a time is all we have to do.. warm regards.. S.A 🙂

hey guys 🙂 had a busy weekend which is good so its kept my mind off things. And i am doing well still havent gambled 🙂 Going to forget about all my loses and just going to try and keep strong. And thank you for the support so far it is really helping! 🙂

Yes, forget about your losses. The past is in the past and you cannot do anything about it.

But what you can do plenty about is your future.

And it's looking brighter judging from the weekend you have just had.

Stay strong,

GT

thanks gt. had abit of a rubbish morning so far been onto the bank sorting out my debt. but still have not gambled (where sundays are my bad days) so im glad i got through yesterday i kept myself busy and spent time with family. off work for a few days holidays just hope i dont slip back with havin the free time. will keep you posted

Well done on a gamble free weekend. If Sunday is usually a gambling day for you. It's a great achievement that you resisted yesterday and are sailing into the new week still gamble free!

Well done j100