Gambling addiction and depression have a very strong relationship. Depressed people can be more susceptible to a gambling addiction, and gambling addiction, especially as it progresses can cause a serious depression.
Characteristics of depression are sadness, social isolation, loss of motivation, loss or increase in appetite, low self esteem, extreme guilt and perhaps shame, feelings of despair, loss of hope, and thoughts of suicide.
Because of this, it makes it even more important to address a gambling addiction, because untreated depression can lead to suicide. Gambling, as an addiction also has the highest suicide rate among all addictions. Study after study shows the strong relationship between gambling and suicide.
How come there is such a strong relationship between a severe gambling problem and depression? Why are they such ugly bedfellows, creating emotional pain, suffering, and despair?
For one, problem gambling, especially when severe leads to social isolation. When you are very socially isolated from friends and family, this can create a deep loneliness that contributes to depression.
Also, when one is gambling addictively, they do not take care of physical health. Improper eating and lack of good nutrition, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, and lack of self care can contribute to depression.
Another factor that contributes to gambling and depression are the gambling debts that are usually inherited as a result of the addiction. This can cause a tremendous amount of stress, anxiety, and worry on the part of the gambler. This stress, anxiety, and worry can then lead to depression and sadness.
The despair that an untreated gambling problem can cause is a result of a life spiraling out of control into a very lonely, depressing abyss.
If you or a loved one has a gambling addiction resulting in depression, you are not alone. The good news is that there is help for a gambling problem and that it is truly possible to stop gambling and live a better life.
Life is better when you stop gambling.
Michelle Tee
Gambling addiction is a thief that will take everything from you. Gambling addiction ruins lives. When you stop gambling, things will get better for you, but if you continue gambling, it will be very hard for you to reclaim the life you once lived.
