Mental Health and Gambling
Gambling is when you stake something of value, such as money or other assets, in a game of chance for the chance to win a prize. It can be as simple as betting on a horse race or placing a sports wager, or more complex like a casino game, scratch tickets or online poker. People gamble for many reasons, including the thrill of winning, socialising with friends and escaping from stress or boredom. For some, however, gambling can become a harmful habit that can affect their mental health. If you have a gambling problem, it is important to seek help and to recognise the signs of an addiction.
People with gambling problems can suffer from poor mental health, resulting in depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. They can also experience difficulties at work due to missed deadlines, low productivity and a lack of focus. In severe cases, people with gambling addictions may even contemplate suicide or attempt suicide.
Gambling affects mental health because it changes the way your brain rewards you, triggering an addictive response. When you gamble, the reward pathway in your brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel excited. This reward is triggered by winning, but it’s also produced when you lose, creating the illusion of control and encouraging risk-taking behaviour. This is why it’s so hard to quit a gambling habit.
While you’re trying to quit gambling, it can be helpful to avoid high-risk situations and people. This includes staying away from casinos, sporting events and other places where gambling takes place. It’s also good to replace problem gambling with healthy activities and distractions. For example, you could try a new hobby, go to the gym or practice mindfulness exercises.
It’s also helpful to identify your triggers. For example, if you are tempted to gamble when driving past a casino or TAB on your way to work, consider changing your route. You might also try leaving credit cards and nonessential cash at home, and change the channel if you find yourself watching sports or listening to music that makes you want to gamble. It’s also important to avoid negative thinking patterns, such as the illusion of control and irrational beliefs, which can increase compulsive gambling.
The best thing you can do to prevent gambling addiction is to seek professional treatment and get support from your family and friends. This will allow you to regain control of your life and manage your addiction. In addition, you can try avoiding the activities and people that trigger gambling, set financial boundaries and make an effort to be more productive at work. You can also ask for help from a therapist or counsellor, who can teach you techniques to tackle your gambling addiction. There are also gambling support groups available in most communities, which can be a great resource for those who are struggling to break the habit. Finally, don’t let the stigma surrounding gambling deter you from seeking treatment.
