“I always thought I didn’t have a problem.” Learn the signs of gambling harm

Chicken or the egg

Jacinta is a Gambler’s Help Therapeutic Counsellor in Gippsland. She says gambling and mental health is a bit like the chicken and egg conundrum.

“Which comes first?” she says.

People who experience grief, anxiety, or depression may initially feel relieved and even uplifted by the gambling experience.

“Some people say it’s where they ‘zone out’ and forget about their problems,” Jacinta says.

It is when the gambling event stops that a person feels a slamming home of the money they have just lost – often in a very short time.

“Financial losses and the inability to cover everyday costs is a major cause of mental health deterioration,” Jacinta says.

The lies begin with loved ones in an attempt to hide the losses, taking a person away from their core values. Anxiety and depression increase, and the cycle repeats itself.

“Like all addictive activities, people return to gambling to feel numb or uplifted, as this space feels temporarily better than the space of their everyday concerns,” Jacinta says.

Family and friends can also get support

“If you’re worried about someone you know, approach them and show them you care,” Sue says.

“Tell them, ‘you seem worried and you’re spending a lot of time at the pokies / TAB / online – I am worried you may be having an issue with gambling.’”

Jacinta acknowledges it can be hard to start the conversation, but people who have the best outcomes are the ones who open up to their family and friends, and accept the help on offer.

“A person affected by another person’s gambling tends to experience anger and a loss of trust when they discover the truth,” she says.

It can be difficult to remain supportive, especially when your trust has been broken.

“We recommend people seek their own support with Gambler’s Help while their loved one is working to control their gambling,” Jacinta says.

“And if possible, try to separate the behaviour from the person you love,” Sue explains.

The link between gambling and mental health

There are strong links between gambling harm and mental health issues for many Australians.

The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation found three-quarters of people who seek help for gambling also have a mental illness. Forty-one percent of people who seek treatment for mental illness also gamble. About half of those people experience a range of consequences as a result.

This is what we call gambling harm.

Gambling harm can include gambling more money or time than you can afford, financial difficulties, loss of assets, relationship breakdowns, and anxiety or depression. The severity can range from momentary feelings of guilt or regret through to extreme outcomes like bankruptcy or fraud.

October 18-24 marks Gambling Harm Awareness Week – an opportune time to shine a spotlight on the harms gambling can cause.

If there is one message Jamie and the Gambler’s Help team want you to take away from Gambling Harm Awareness Week, it’s this:

It is possible to break the cycle. Life feels better when you’re in charge.

Not ready for professional help?

Take these quick and easy steps instead.

• Use an online app to block gambling sites.
• Sign up to the Self Exclusion program to stop yourself using pokie machines.
• Speak to your bank about blocking gambling transactions.
• Sign up to the 100 Day Challenge, where you can set goals, get advice, get ideas for alternative activities, and chat to others with lived experience.
• Speak to someone with lived experience from the Peer Connection Program. Phone 9450 2007.
• Talk to trusted family and friends and seek their support to take the next step.