What is it?
- Gambling problems can lead to emotional difficulties.
- Recognise the risks & seek help for gambling issues.
- Early intervention is crucial in treating gambling addiction.
Here's more detail
Description
Gambling problems can be a significant trigger for emotional health difficulties. While gambling may seem like a harmless and exciting activity to some, it can quickly spiral into addiction and have detrimental effects on mental well-being. Adolescence is a time of curiosity and exploration, and for some, this can lead to risky behaviours like excessive gambling. As young people experiment with gambling, they may not realise the emotional toll it can take. Losing money, chasing losses and hiding gambling activities can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety and depression.
It’s important to understand the potential risks associated with gambling and seek help if you suspect you have a gambling problem. Gambling addiction is a real and treatable condition, but early intervention is key. Talking to a trusted adult or seeking guidance from organisations that specialise in gambling addiction can provide valuable support and resources. Moreover, friends and family play an importantrole in recognising the signs of gambling addiction and offering help when needed.
Description
- Learn more
People gamble for many reasons: the adrenaline rush of winning money, to socialise, or to escape from worries or stress. For some people, gambling can get out of control. Problem gambling can affect your mental health, relationships, and financial stability. It can cause low self-esteem, stress, anxiety and depression.
Signs of a gambling problem:
- Spending more money on gambling than you can afford
- Gambling when you should be doing something else
- Feeling anxious or stressed about your gambling
- Using gambling to cope with problems or difficult feelings
- Lying to others about your gambling
- Borrowing or stealing to fund your gambling
To learn more about gambling and mental health, visit the link below.
Stat
A 2023 survey from the Gambling Commission found that
26% of 11 to 17 year olds
had spent their own money on some form of gambling activity in the twelve months prior to completing the survey.
Video
This PSHE4you episode discusses the harms around gambling, a conversation with Dan from GamCare, a gambling support organisation, and directs to the different avenues of support available.
Voice
As a hidden addiction, gambling harms can be incredibly hard to spot from the outside. It is therefore critical that people impacted are aware of the wide range of support services available, and that they feel safe to come forward.
- Zoe Osmond, CEO of GambleAware
Some resources that may help:
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