Gambling and Self Care
Gambling and Self Care
Gambling and Self Care
Gambling can be fun, but it also has the potential to cause harm. Being a compulsive gambler can harm your health and relationships and leave you in serious debt. Below are a few tips on how you can reduce your risk of harm and protect your mental health if you do gamble.
if you do gamble remember to
DO
manage your money; pay important bills on payday before you gamble, set a time limit and a budget
spend more time with family and friends who do not gamble
deal with your debts rather than ignoring them – visit the National Debtline for tips
find a hobby; if you find yourself gambling to escape from something else, try focus your mind on other activities
if you do gamble remember
DON'T
view gambling as a way to make money – try to see it as entertainment instead
bottle up your worries about your gambling – talk to someone
take credit cards with you when you go gambling
chase your losses
gamble when depressed or upset; decision-making can be more difficult
drink or use drugs when gambling; drugs and alcohol cloud judgment, and good judgment stands as your main line of defence against letting gambling get out of control