The bear the last diary no more.

Well done bear, unfortunately for me I have messed up again.

Never give up Michael if you believe you can stop you will get there day 12 for me today no thoughts of gambling no going back said before many times much different this time

Have good day all

The bear x

Day 13 feeling positive have arranged cbt for my anxietys as it seems they are the root to this evil I will get there this time I know it 🙂 have great day everyone.

The bear x

Good to read you're still doing well, Bear. You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned anxiety/depression being one of the causes for your gambling problem. I was exactly same. I'm sure there are many of us, who used it quite naively at first as an escape, only to really get caught up it in all.

Still, I believe, when we become aware of our problem and quit being in denial, we have a greater chance of overcoming gambling and moving on in life. Cbt will help with this, as well as those past issues that cause your anxiety. I've had cbt therapy myself and can vouch that it works.

Well done, Bear. Very pleased by your positive outlook at the moment.

-Alex

Thanks for your post Alex much appreciated I'm hoping the cbt will help me I know I have to look deeper than ever before 🙂

The bear x

Day 14 sailing along at the moment hope everyone is having a good week I'm ready for lovely weekend with my girlfriend without disappearing to bookies for pretend trip to put petrol in or other silly excuses we make when our heads are in gambling mode :-/

Have great day

The bear x

Day 15 hope everyone's having great gamble free weekend one of my friends is struggling badly with gambling at mo I'm hoping he sees the light soon he's a decent fella but when the red mist descends 🙁

Take care

The bear x

Day 16 lovely weekend so far relaxed bought the girlfriend some boots lovely evening in Windsor with friends life can be great without gambling it's just learning how to live again 🙂

Have a good day

The bear x

Day 17 no probs this weekend have got my first cbt therapy session on Wednesday hoping its a start to a positive week for me not sure what to expect bit nervous but need to unearth the problems that make me want to gamble 🙂 hope everyone has a good Monday 🙂

The bear x

Bear - I don't post so much these days, but I still check in on diaries daily, and I'm pleased to see you're making some good headway.

I did a CBT course earlier this year. Like you, I was a bit nervous / skeptical about the whole thing, but actually found it really useful. So I would recommend you go into it with an open mind and stick with it.

For me, it wasn't the answer/solution, but it was certainly part of it. You and I both know that equipping yourself with every possible resource to beat this demon is the best thing to do.

Good luck with it pal

Thanks d123 I hope it works for me 🙂 day 18

Hope everyone is well and gamble free just have to keep it going eventually it gets easier and easier 🙂

The bear x

Hi Bear,

Ur determination shines thru, well done on staying strong. I am proud of u 🙂

Have a gr8 day xx

Thank you Charlotte your post is much appreciated 🙂 x

The bear x

Thanks for the well wishes on my diary today, Bear, and I wish the same for you. Hey, if you do end up going for cbt, I'd be interested in hearing what you think of it. Best to you!

Day 19 cbt day today I have my initial consultation bit nervous but this has to be done it could be the answer or even it could help a little so will wait and see my thoughts are with my close friend dark place he has gone back to playing with the devil a Shame as he had done so well but seems to have gone back to gambling with a vengeance I hope he sees the light soon 🙁

Have good day all

The bear x