I have been gamble free 7 months. So i thought I would share some tips. It not easy and you have to want to help yourself noone else can do it for you they can offer advice but you have to put in the effort.
I have come pretty close to gambling especially more recently as I have found a way to access gambling and it's taking will power not too.
My mental health makes me want to impulsively gamble to cope but I have to try and control that.
Gamstop is fantastic you sign up online in minutes and it prevents you from signing up to uk gambling sites again it takes some effort and will power not to find other ways.
Sometimes if i feel I really cant cope instead of gambling or self harming ive been curling up in a blanket and come off my phone or laptop or alternatively contact gamcare.
Dont gamble in the moment !! I'll wait a while and see how i feel in an hour and talk myself out of it dont act on impulse you will be gutted.
I'm tempted on the Chance I might win to pay back debt but i know i will chase losses and loose everything you think the same again and again untill you learn it's impossible to stop.
I felt guilty at a charity event I brought some tickets in a raffle it's still technically gambling but I can justify it as a one off and I wasnt actively seeking to gamble so not to class it in my 7 months as it was controlled and my problem gambling was online in casinos. You have to do what's best for yourself and avoid temptations.
I get it's hard..its constant battle daily for anyone but I've learnt gambling and having a pity party wont help, it will make you worse. If you do gamble again think what went wrong and how can you stop it can you block yourself from the site,
They are my tips .sometimes it is easier to give advice than take it but I've managed 7 months I still feel on edge with urges but the most important thing is even if you have gambled is to keep trying.
I personally think it is selfish to gamble. Yes I've been selfish and it's my own fault but only way out is to help yourself. Often I want to gamble as a way to cope but it overall would just increase anxiety and depression afterwards
I really hope more people can go longer gamble free I think sometimes people get stuck in a rut and it's hard when you see a lot of people saying they gambled again makes you wonder if its possible to change.
I have nearly lost my life, career and flat this year I haven't though, i have really been struggling with my mental health I battle each day with it and constant suicidal feelings but I'm going to keep trying, I've had a lot of help along the way and without gamcare I would be a million times worse but you have to take there advice and support.
I am struggling so much myself but its okay to feel sad angry upset but you have to keep trying and prevent it happening again. I feel hypocritical writing this as I often struggle with this advice myself but I'm trying
I wish you all luck in your recovery, if you gamble online I recommend signing up to gamstop it's scary blocking access but you have to face your fears.
Love
Loulou x
Lou Lou. Thank you for your help everyone and I don't think you are a hypocritical. I think you give good advice. I feel we are Selfish and greedy. I believe if we were honest with ourselves we could not gamble. I think gambling is just us trying to escape from our problems but it does not help and only makes things worse. I have been through counselling and I talked about the past which was very hard but it has helped me a lot with urges to gamble. I try to deal with my problems on a daily basis as then they don't build up and become unmanageable. I hope you keep strong and carry on what helps you. Take care.
Thankyou @Changing-habit you as well, sounds like you are doing your best in recovery, wish you well.
Loulou, found your last post inspirational. Wavered a bit today but didn't give in. Looking forward to reaching my first week milestone and then more...
thankyou @murlo you can do it and well done for not giving in
Well done, think you are a beacon for all those who are just starting on the toad to recovery. Not a gambler myself it is my fiancé, he doesn’t read my forum. But I share story that I think will help him, this I will defiantly share. Well done and keep going x
Thankyou @Rachel-2015 that really means a lot, I wish yourself and fiancé well I hope he is going in the right direction for his recovery and its lovely you are supportive.
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