Just hit crunch day, been gambling for years, now my partner of 20 years has left me ,I am in a bad way, didn't see it coming, I am home with my 2 girls who are sleeping and none the wiser, partner has gone to her parents, I have had to tell my parents, the guilt that I feel is imense. Why didn't I get help earlier ?
Hi @wayne71,
Welcome to the forum.
I'm sorry to read that things are so hard for you right now.
Well done for telling your parents, it's a difficult thing to open up, but it can be invaluable to have people in your life who know what you're going through and can offer support. It must be a shock that your partner has left, especially as you didn't see it coming.
The good news is that there is lots of support available to you, and now you've admitted that this is something you need help with, you have the opportunity to make real changes in your life. In addition to the excellent peer support available on this forum, I encourage you to call our HelpLine (0808 8020 133) or NetLine (webchat available through this website, click on "Talk to someone" in the bottom right hand corner) and speak to one of the advisers. They will be able to discuss the impacts gambling has had on your life and offer support and advice tailored to you. They will go through tools and strategies that can help you stop and discuss the options you have for treatment.
You are not in this alone.
Kind regards,
Elizabeth
Forum Admin
Thanks for the reply, it made me cry my eyes out that someone I don't know would give me such time.
Hi.
Tough times are never nice to go through. I have been where you are. You need to see it as decision time. Time to do something else. You will find a lot of people with a similar history who can help you. You just need to own the decisions you now need to take and you will find this place very good for you.
Good luck.
Hi, i'm new here too, i want to learn good habits
Good luck.
Hi Wayne,
Stay strong, have a read around the forum, know that a lot of us have been where you are now and keep talking with us. It will be tough for a bit, but there are many on here to help.
You're in the right place to talk it through and we're here to support you.
Bdog
Hi Wayne
Firstly thank you for reading my success story and leaving a lovely comment.
Honestly you wont be in that dark place forever. Your going to have good days and bad days but you have taken the first step by telling those close to you. Gambling is a silent addiction, you may not drink and do drugs but the devastation in your life is equally immense, physically, mentally and financially.
I tried everything from counselling to medication to on line support groups, I admit none of these things worked for me at that time, I guess I wasn't ready to stop gambling so I wasn't 100% committed. Support from family and friends is crucial for you to get through this so always be honest with them, even if your having a bad day, pick up the phone and tell them that you are.
You will get through this and this site is a welcome distraction and a comfort in lots of ways.
Good luck Wayne
Dee
After a good sunday with the kids and partner who is still at her parents ,today just feels so hard and difficult , got the kids off to school and my partner called at our house before work, i want to talk on our future and she says no, i know she needs time and space ,it just seems you are remembered for all the gambling and none of the good things we do as a family . Hoping to see the docter , relate and get some therapy this week. im hoping my partner will support .Just feel so low
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
