Gambling And Depression
Most people, whether they have a problem with gambling or not, can relate to the idea that people get excited when they win, and feel disappointed when they lose.
Beyond the initial feelings of sadness from losing, when someone has a gambling problem they may feel depressed, as well as perhaps experiencing feelings of shame and guilt.
The Food and Drug Administration confirmed last year that there is a proven link between specific antidepressants that affect dopamine activity in the brain and an addiction to gambling. The WHO is not the first to suggest a link between major depression and Internet addiction; there is a rapidly growing body of evidence showing that the two are often intimately connected. The reasons for this are much the same as those that underpin the relationship between major depression and Internet addiction in terms of coping and reward. Writing in his Daily Star column, the former Arsenal and England midfielder said that depression, gambling addiction and issues with drugs and alcohol had left him feeling at rock bottom 12 months.
Signs of depression may include:
- People with depression use gambling to self-medicate. This theory holds that patients use gambling to help themselves feel better during a depressive phase. The rush associated with the risk of.
- 'Gambling: The sure way of getting nothing from something.' Furthermore, even though common comorbid mental health issues did not predict overall mortality, depression was found to predict.
- Increased irritability and frustration
- Loss of interest in activities and friends
- Feeling tired and worthless
- Struggling to sleep or finding it difficult to get out of bed
- Loss of appetite
- Negative or hopeless thoughts
Most people experience some of these signs at different times in their lives but if you notice they are happening more often you may be feeling depressed.
Remember there are services available to help you with these feelings, you can speak to one of our counsellors who can help you find the right one, and it’s completely confidential, free and available 24/7.
Gambling And Depression
How common is depression and gambling?
A recent study has found that people with a gambling problem were twice as likely to be depressed and 18 times more likely to experience severe psychological distress than people without a gambling problem.
Further to this, the connection between mood and gambling is not always one-way and being depressed may push someone towards gambling in the first place.
For example, feeling depressed, down or alone can place people at risk of developing or increasing their gambling problem:
- People may use gambling as a break or escape from negative feelings or situations
- Gambling may provide a 'pick me up' or a sense of feeling connected to other people.
Dealing with gambling and depression
Bipolar And Gambling Addiction
It is really important to look at your gambling and mood when addressing the problem. This will help you decide what kind of supports and strategies you might want to consider using.
For example, if you gamble because you are lonely, it will be important to look at both the gambling and the loneliness when taking steps to get your control back.
A simple step
Increasing your activity level can be one simple way to help with your depression. It can boost your mood, give you a different focus, increase your sense of control, makes you feel less tired and can help you think more clearly.
Just as you would train before running a marathon for the first time, starting with small steps can be the key. For example:
- Make your bed – it gets you moving and a sense of achievement for completing an activity.
- Go for a walk, gradually increasing how far you go each day.
- Cook a recipe you haven’t tried before.
- Sign up for a regular activity, this could include:
o Dancing
o Cooking
o Fitness/Gym
o Men's shed
o Gardening
o Art Class
o Painting
o Knitting
o Woodwork
o Get a Pet
o Singing
Gambling Depression Reddit
Make sure it’s something you enjoy doing, or gives you a sense of satisfaction, this way you will look forward to it and be motivated to participate!
Mental Health And Gambling Addiction
Next steps
Bipolar Disorder And Gambling Addiction
If you think depression is an issue for you, it is important to get help:
Gambling Caused Depression And Bankruptcy
- Speak to one of our counsellors. They will discuss some strategies with you and can also refer you to local services.
- Talk to someone who you trust and know will listen to your concerns.
- Visit your G.P. or a mental health professional. They can conduct an assessment and provide treatment and referral if appropriate.
- Seek support from others in our peer support forums