Recovery

I'm working on it taken about 16hrs of writing this far and still got just under 10 years to go but onto calmer seas for the next chapter ISH 

Jake mate, it's going to be an epic. The legendary life share 

There’s nothing better than writing everything down and getting it all out, it feels liberating. I have enjoyed reading your posts and especially your story Stuart.

@zq7i2rjg1p it will epic, I agree with Stuart

Ur story really showed me how complex and smart u must be to have been going thru such extreme gambling ups and downs for such a long period of time with such extreme measures in order to keep surviving....... without breaking.......  It showed me that if u put the same effort into recovery yours will be a great success stuart

Thank you Adam. I'm not unique mate. I think that through my isolation, I was the only one who knew many elements of my history. This is why it was so liberating to get it all out, in one go. I feel it's been a huge part of my therapy. 

Hi All, 

I love hearing about your stories on this forum- whether it's the ups, downs or in between. It's real, genuine and authentic. The main reason I chose to become a Peer Support Worker was to use my own personal experience and story to help others. If I can be the light in someone's darkness, even for a brief moment, or provide some reassurance, guidance or something as simple as just listening and show that I understand, because I've been there myself. To me, that is a way I have been able to reshape my life and make the best out of a difficult period of my life. If I had told myself 8 years ago that by now, I would be 4 years gambling free, out of debt and using my own story to help others, I would not have believed you! That just shows that no matter how dark things feel or how far you feel you have to climb, always hold hope. 

It is such a lovely community here on GamCare, and I feel honoured to be a part of it.

Whether you are on day one or day one hundred, gamble free- the fact that you even have an account on GamCare shows that you want some support, guidance, and to feel less alone. 

Sharing your story can almost feel like offloading the heaviest weight off your own shoulders. Stuart, it sounds like sharing your story enabled an emotional release, which is such a healthy way to ease our minds. I am so glad you have found it so helpful to share. Everyone within this online community listens without judgment, which is so important. Addiction and gambling can feel quite a taboo subject and can be hard to discuss with others- but we have this lovely, nurturing, supportive, and non-judgemental space on here, which is fantastic!

Take care all!

Brooke (Peer Support Worker)

Hi Brooke

Its not often that im lost for words 😆 but I couldn't have said anything more eloquently than you have. 

It must feel amazing to work in a sector where you are not only keeping yourself present but helping so many other people to better themselves each day.