Gambling can have a significant impact on mental health. Our Women’s Pathway team shares some guidance and self-care resources to help you protect your well-being if you experience gambling-related harm.
Life is often stressful – challenging jobs, difficult relationships, feelings of loneliness and anxiety. All of this can take a toll on our mental health, and we may look for ways to make things more bearable.
However, some things that can give us an instant boost can cause things to get worse later.
Things like gambling and online games can be like a band-aid that helps us escape or overcome the current situation. In the long run, this can lead to bigger problems such as financial stress, relationship breakdown, and isolation.
Gambling and mental health
According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, people who gamble at dangerous levels are more likely to suffer from low self-confidence, develop stress-related disorders, become anxious, have poor sleep and appetite, develop substance abuse problems and suffer from depression.
As women, we know that there are many physical and social factors that can impact our mental health such as hormones, pregnancy, menopause, caring responsibilities, and work and family stress.
What role does gambling play in your life?
Seeking relief from stress is normal, but if gambling is your main way of feeling good, it may be time to look for other options. We can help with that.
First, check in with yourself to see if gambling plays a bigger role in your life than you realize.
Here are some questions to consider:
1. Have you ever used gambling or online games to deal with stress in everyday life?
2. Have you ever gambled or played online games to distract yourself from negative thoughts or feelings?
3. Have you ever used gambling to ‘reward’ yourself or make yourself feel good?
4. Do you ever feel guilty about your gambling?
Remember, there is no judgment here. If any of these questions resonate with you, you may find it helpful to talk to a friend, family member, or contact us here at GamCare.
Overcoming stress
Let’s discuss some healthier ways to deal with life’s stress and maintain our mental health.
There are other ways we can help improve our mood, namely by building resilience and the ability to deal with stress and feel better about ourselves. Eating well, taking time for yourself, getting out into nature, connecting with friends and family are just a few things that can help.
You can try our self-care activities that guide you through some practical ways to improve your mood in different parts of your life.
Get help
Sometimes our mental health may need help from a professional, GP, counselor or other mental health professional. Always contact your doctor if you feel your mental health needs more than a self-help solution.
If you need to speak to someone urgently, you can call Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123 or if you are in crisis and feel at risk, call 999.
Other support
Thought
Free Mental Health Support
NHS Mental Health Services
Mental Health support options from the NHS
Cruse
Grief Support
Protection – Domestic Violence Helpline
24/7 Domestic Violence helpline & info
Women’s Aid
Domestic Violence support & information
Shout
Mental Health Support via text
British Anxiety
Support for those living with anxiety
Samaritans
24/7 helpline for people who need to talk
Sane
Mental Health support & helpline
British Red Cross
Support for those who feel lonely or isolated
