Mental Health and Gambling
Gambling is when you risk something of value, like money or items of value, to predict the outcome of a game or event based on chance, such as a casino game, fruit machine or scratchcard. If you win, you get money or something else of value, but if you lose, you have to give up your money or item(s).
People can gamble for many reasons – boredom, stress, depression or even to escape from their problems and be surrounded by different sights, sounds and people. People with mental health problems are particularly at risk of harmful gambling. Gambling is often considered a glamorous, fun and exciting activity, with the media portraying it as sexy, luxurious and fashionable. This can make some people who are struggling with these problems feel they can’t live without it, especially if they don’t see any other ways to find pleasure in their life.
If you have a gambling problem, it can be very hard to stop on your own. However, there are things you can do to help you overcome your addiction. Talking to friends and family, trying other hobbies and finding other ways to make you feel happy can all be helpful. Some people also benefit from peer support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous.
Another way to reduce your gambling is by reducing the access you have to money. You can do this by getting rid of credit cards (or only using ones you can’t use for gambling), closing online betting accounts and keeping only a small amount of cash on you at all times. You could also try putting your allotted gambling funds in a separate envelope each day to prevent you from spending more than you intended.
Lastly, you should avoid gambling when you’re feeling down, angry or upset. There’s a strong link between harmful gambling and feelings of suicidal thoughts. If you’re having thoughts of suicide, call 999 or visit A&E immediately.
If you do have a gambling problem, it’s important to address it as soon as possible. Unmanaged, it can cause serious harm, including debt and financial difficulties which can lead to bankruptcy. If you’re struggling with debt, speak to StepChange for free, confidential advice.
Harmful gambling can also lead to relationship difficulties and loss of friends and family. It’s easy to miss out on social activities, work and family commitments to spend time gambling, and this can put a strain on relationships. It can also lead to lying and breaking promises, which can damage trust.
In severe cases, gambling addiction can be a leading cause of death by suicide. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, speak to your GP or contact NHS Direct. They can help you find local services for suicide prevention and support services for those who have experienced or attempted suicide. You can also contact Samaritans or your local crisis centre for advice and support. There’s a lot of help out there, so don’t hesitate to ask for it.
