Blog

Deb Gleeson - 26 August 2017

Gambling is a mental health problem

Mental Health is a continuum that we all move along throughout our life.

People with Gambling Problems have a mental health problem and also are likely to have depression, anxiety and/or substance use disorder.

The Mental Health First Aid Australia, definition for Gambling Problems is:

"Difficulties over time in limiting money or time spent on gambling, which leads to adverse consequences for the person, others, or for the community."

Common reasons that a person may gamble are:

• Escape problems or negative emotions
• Build self-esteem
• Make up for gambling or other financial losses.

If you would like to find out about the risk factors for developing a gambling problem please click here.

There are many signs that a person may have or be developing a gambling problem:

1. Gambling behaviours • Frequently thinks and talks about gambling • Gambles almost every day • Increases the time they spend gambling or has a pattern of gambling for longer than intended
2. Signs evident while gambling • Gambles for three or more hours without a break of at least 15 minutes • Focuses so intensely on gambling that they don't react to what is going on around them • Stays on to gamble after friends leave the venue
3. Mental and physical health signs • Does not look after their health as a result of their gambling activities, e.g. does not take medication or eat a healthy diet • Has experienced negative emotions as a result of gambling, e.g. sadness, anxiety, stress, anger.
4. Financial signs • Does not want to spend money on anything but gambling • Increases their usage of or acquires additional credit cards • Complains about mounting debts
5. Social signs • Social life or relationships have been negatively affected as a result of gambling • Becomes isolated from others because of gambling
6. Signs evident at home • Neglects the basic care of their children, or breaks promises to their children about buying them things or spending time with them due to gambling activities • Steals from family or friends to fund gambling

The above are only examples and more information can be found by clicking here.

A person who has a gambling problem needs help. The consequences are continued gambling can be relationship breakdown, financial problems, legal issues, loss of employment, family violence, and mental health problems, including suicide.

How do you help?

A Mental Health First Aid course will teach you the way to approach and reach out to someone with a gambling problem.

Approach the person about your concerns for them.

Be willing to listen to what the person has to say even if you do not agree with their assessment of the issues.

Let the person know that you want to help them and show always give them respect and dignity.

Involve the person in discussing help. Do they want help? Discuss what types of help are available and involve the person in choosing what they will do.

If the person doesn't want help...respect their decision at this time. Maintain a good relationship and ask if you can broach the issue with them again at a later time. Set a time if you can.

Gambling problems may not be the only issue the person is dealing with, they may also have depression, anxiety and/or substance use problems. If you notice signs of these issues support the person to get appropriate professional help.

Helping someone with gambling problems is helping them to change and to maintain that change. It may be a long journey. Look after yourself too.

Remember Mental Health is everyone's business.