I've lost 150k day trading the stock market over the last 5 months. It's a familiar story...had a huge win at first, thought I was invincible, upped the $$ and lost, chased loses until I had nothing left.
I'm 32. I have no money left in my account. I still have 50k in a 401k, about 95k in stock through work that will become available to me in parts over the next 2.5 years. I make enough to save about $2500 a month.
I was so happy and was doing so well financially....this has ruined me, consumed my life and my thoughts, I can't think about anything except all the things I could have done with the money and that I NEED to keep trading to make it back. I feel sick all day every day, wake up every morning at 3am insanely stressed. I am miserable. How terribly have I XXX up my life? How does it compare to your own story or others you know? I know comparing your situation to others' is not encouraged but I'm dying for clarity on how badly I've XXX up here.
Dear JM2928,
Thank you for joining the GamCare forum and posting your story here. While everyone's financial situation is different, I'm sure the feeling of loss is one that all can identify with. It's very difficult to draw a line under losses and walk away.
It sounds as though you might be in the US. You're very welcome here, but as we are a UK-based organisation, we may not have information on tools and support available to you over there.
May I suggest a few other sources of support which may be relevant in your country?
Gambling Therapy
https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/en
Global service offering free practical advice and emotional support to anyone affected by problem gambling.
National Council on Problem Gambling
https://www.ncpgambling.org/
Help & treatment for problem gambling in the US.
Best wishes,
Deirdre
Forum Admin
Thank you, I am in the US although I've noticed this site seems to be the most active. I will go elsewhere for additional resources.
Hi JM2928,
Our site is available to anyone across the globe, and you are very welcome to use this forum for the peer support. It's just that our advice and expertise is tailored to those living in England, Scotland and Wales so if you need advice on tools and support available in the US, you will find these by contacting organisations such as the NCPG above.
Best wishes,
Deirdre
Forum Admin
You've already said it, comparing to others is not encouraged for the main reason is it doesn't do anyone any good.
You clearly have a problem which is relative to your situation. Mostly it's that you can't stop, which is most of us my friend. If you have an addiction it's nearly impossible, but the addict in us convinces us to keep trying, maybe it'll be different next time. It never is.
As you're in the states you should be able to find a Gamblers Anonymous meeting somewhere local to you. Look on the website for details.
It's never too late to get a life back on track but you won't do it gambling.
All the best,
Chris.
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