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Gambling and mental health issues

7 min read

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Is there a link between gambling and mental health?

Have you ever noticed that you gamble to help cope with feeling down or anxious? Or perhaps it’s the other way around – you feel down or anxious after gambling? 

Knowing how your gambling and mental health may be linked can help you understand why gambling might be an issue for you and what kind of support you may need.

Is there a link between gambling and mental health? 

Do you suspect a friend or family member gambles to help cope with feeling down or anxious? Or perhaps it’s the other way around – they feel down or anxious after gambling? 

Knowing how their gambling and mental health may be linked can help you understand why gambling might be an issue for them and what kind of support they may need.

Is there a link between gambling and mental health?

Do you suspect someone is gambling to help cope with feeling down or anxious? Or perhaps it’s the other way around – they feel down or anxious after gambling? 

Healthcare professionals, particularly those in mental health or other health fields, often come across people with mental health diagnoses who are also experiencing gambling harm. Awareness of how gambling and mental health issues may be linked can help you determine what kind of support they may benefit from most.

How are gambling and mental health issues linked?

There is a strong link between gambling and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. According to research, about 40% of people who struggle with their gambling also have depression or anxiety.

If someone has mental health issues, they’re more likely to have issues with gambling, and if someone has issues with their gambling, they’re more likely to have mental health issues. Most people who have both of these issues experience mental health difficulties first, but some people experience gambling difficulties first.

Even for people who don’t have mental health issues, mood and gambling can still be connected. Moods like sadness, anxiety, and stress can trigger gambling. It's also common for people to feel a mix of negative emotions after gambling, like anger, guilt, shame, self-doubt, and feelings of failure.

This means that gambling and mental health issues can create a cycle that is hard to break. People may gamble because they think it will make them feel better, but usually it doesn’t. Instead, they often end up losing money or experiencing other problems, which can make them feel worse. They may then gamble again to make themselves feel better, and the cycle repeats.

 “One of the things that is most misunderstood about addiction is that it’s not just purely about the alcohol, drugs or gambling. What’s core to everyone we see is often a story of trauma or a story of mental health, and I think that’s something the broader community doesn’t understand,” Professor Dan Lubman, Executive Clinical Director, Turning Point

What other mental health issues are linked to gambling?

Stress, grief, and traumatic experiences can also make people more likely to develop harmful gambling. These experiences can affect our mental health and some people may turn to gambling as a way to feel better in the short-term. However, this can lead to more problems in the long-term.

Stress.

Stress is the feeling we get when we’re facing a lot of pressure. It can affect us not just mentally but physically as well. When we’re stressed, we might have headaches, feel tired, have trouble sleeping, and get easily annoyed. A little bit of stress can be good because it can help us work harder and do better, but if we’re stressed all the time, it can lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Grief.

Grief is a feeling of deep sadness and sorrow that we can experience when we lose something or someone important to us. This can happen when someone we love dies, but it can also happen when we experience other kinds of losses, such as losing our job, going through a break-up, being diagnosed with a serious illness, retiring from work, or our children leaving home. These experiences can make us feel alone and disconnected from the things that usually give our lives meaning.

Traumatic experiences.

Traumatic experiences are events that can be extremely distressing and scary, especially when they happen during childhood. These experiences can cause a person’s body to be flooded with stress hormones, which can lead to feeling constantly on edge or completely numb. People who have experienced trauma may also have trouble controlling their emotions and making decisions. This can put them at higher risk of developing mental health issues.

Is gambling linked to suicide risk?

People who have issues with gambling are also at increased risk of harming themselves or considering suicide, often because of considerable financial losses or debt. Some signs that a person might be considering suicide are:

  • Changes in behaviour, appearance, or mood
  • Depressed, sad, or withdrawn mood
  • Struggling to maintain self-care, personal appearance, or hygiene
  • Giving away sentimental or expensive possessions
  • Talking about suicide or having a plan
  • Making a will or talking about final wishes

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. This free helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What are the signs of mental health issues?

Depression and anxiety are common mental health issues that can affect how people feel, think and behave. Taking a look at some of the signs of depression and anxiety can help people figure out if these issues could be linked to their gambling.

Depression.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. The National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2020-21 shows that depression affects 1 in 9 people in Australia at some point in their lives. It can lead to a range of emotional and physical problems and trouble doing normal day-to-day activities.

Signs of depression may include:

  • Depressed mood
  • Loss of interest in all or almost all activities
  • Changes in weight or appetite
  • Insomnia or daytime sleepiness
  • Restlessness or slowed movement
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Decreased concentration

We all feel sad, moody or low sometimes. It’s a normal part of life. However, if these feelings last for more than two weeks, it might be a sign of depression.

Anxiety.

There are several types of anxiety conditions. Each type has different symptoms and is treated differently. One common anxiety condition is generalised anxiety disorder, which is when someone feels anxious on most days, making it difficult to work, study, or see friends and family. Another common anxiety condition is social anxiety disorder, which is when someone has an intense fear of being criticised, embarrassed or humiliated. The National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2020-21 shows that anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia, affecting more than 1 in 4 people at some stage in their lives.

Signs of anxiety can include:

  • Feeling very worried or anxious most of the time
  • Finding it difficult to calm down
  • Unable to control anxious thoughts or worries
  • Feeling tired easily
  • Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
  • Muscle tension
  • Sleep disturbances

It's normal to feel anxious once in a while, but when those feelings stick around, happen for no clear reason, or make it tough to manage daily activities, there could be an issue with anxiety.

What can you do?

Here are some strategies if you think depression or anxiety is part of the reason you’re having issues with your gambling.

Self-care.

Self-care, like sleep, eating healthily and socialising, can improve your mood. See our self-help information on Focusing on Health and Wellbeing.

Exercise.

Increasing your activity levels by exercising can lift your spirits, help you concentrate on something else, increase your sense of control over your life, reduce your fatigue, and help you think more clearly. Even walking in nature regularly can help. See our self-help information on Focusing on Health and Wellbeing.

Other activities.

Engaging in activities that don't involve gambling can help you take your mind off things, pass the time, and give you something enjoyable to look forward to. These activities can also improve your mood, make you feel more confident, and make you feel better about yourself. We know it can be hard to think of other things to do so see our self-help information on Keeping Busy.

Relaxation.

Relaxation and mindfulness activities can help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and stress. You can find different techniques in our self-help information on Finding Ways to Relax.

Talk to your doctor.

Your doctor or health care professional may be able to help you develop strategies to manage your mental health and provide you with guidance and support in relation to your mental health issues.

Seek additional support.

One of the best things a person can do when they are feeling down, anxious or stressed is to get some support. Many people tell us they benefit from more than one type of support. Friends or family members who are understanding can provide a great deal of emotional and practical help and advice. Many people also benefit from seeking support from a gambling or mental health counsellor. For more information on the range of support and counselling options available, see Seeking Support.

What can you do?

Here are some strategies if you think depression or anxiety is part of the reason your family member or friend is having issues with their gambling.

Self-care.

Encourage them to take care of themselves. Self-care, like sleep, eating healthily and socialising with people they like can improve their mood. See our self-help information on Focusing on Health and Wellbeing.

Exercise.

Encourage them to exercise, even if this is only going for a walk in nature. Increasing their activity levels can lift their spirits, help them concentrate on something else, and increase their sense of control over their life. It can also reduce their fatigue and help them think more clearly. See our self-help information on Focusing on Health and Wellbeing.

Other activities.

Encourage them to do other activities that don’t involve gambling. Engaging in other activities can help them take their mind off things, pass the time, and give them something enjoyable to look forward to. It can also improve their mood, make them feel more confident, and make them feel better about themselves. You could find something that that you could do together. We know it can be hard to think of other things to do so see our self-help information on Keeping Busy.

Relaxation.

Encourage them to do some relaxation or mindfulness activities. These activities can help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and stress. You can find different techniques in our self-help information on Finding Ways to Relax. It could help them if you joined them in doing some of these activities if you can.

Talk to their doctor.

Their doctor or health care professional may be able to help them develop strategies to manage their mental health and provide them with guidance and support in relation to their mental health issues.

Seek additional support.

Encourage them to seek support. One of the best things people can do when they’re feeling down, anxious or stressed is to talk about it. Many people tell us they benefit from more than one type of support. Friends or family members who are understanding can provide a great deal of emotional and practical help and advice. Many people also benefit from seeking support from a gambling or mental health counsellor. For more information on the range of support and counselling options available, see Seeking Support.

What can you do?

Here are some strategies if you think depression or anxiety is part of the reason that someone is having issues with their gambling.

Self-care.

Encourage them to take care of themselves. Self-care, like sleep, eating healthily and socialising with family members and friends, can improve their mood. See our self-help information on Focusing on Health and Wellbeing.

Exercise.

Encourage them to exercise, even if this is only going for a walk in nature. Increasing their activity levels can lift their spirits, help them concentrate on something else, and increase their sense of control over their life. It can also reduce their fatigue and help them think more clearly. See our self-help information on Focusing on Health and Wellbeing.

Other activities.

Encourage them to do other activities that don’t involve gambling. Engaging in other activities can help them take their mind off things, pass the time, and give them something enjoyable to look forward to. It can also improve their mood, make them feel more confident, and make them feel better about themselves. Ask them to see our self-help information on Keeping Busy.

Relaxation.

Encourage them to do some relaxation or mindfulness activities. These activities can help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and stress. You can find different techniques in our self-help information on Finding Ways to Relax.

Ensure they have medical support.

If you are not a medical practitioner, ensure the person you’re working with seeks medical advice in relation to their mental health issues.

Seek additional support.

Encourage them to get some support, perhaps from more than one source. One of the best things people can do when they’re down, anxious or stressed is to talk to understanding friends or family members. They should also try to keep to a regular schedule speaking with you, a gambling counsellor or a mental health counsellor. For more information on the range of support and counselling options available, see Seeking Support.

Dealing with mental health issues, like depression or anxiety, isn’t easy. But you don’t have to do it alone. If you think that depression or anxiety is part of the reason you’re struggling with gambling, help is available.

Are you thinking about suicide?

Talking about suicide can be difficult – but it’s very important to take steps to ensure your safety. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and considering suicide, you should:

  • Stay calm and share your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust, like a friend, family member, or mental health professional.
  • Remove any means for self-harm, like knives or medications.
  • Don’t ask other people to keep your suicidal thoughts a secret. It’s important to tell someone who can help you.
  • Immediately seek professional help. This could be from a suicide helpline, crisis centre, counsellor, doctor, emergency room, or religious leader.
  • Inform the support services about what is going on and be sure to include all key information.

The following free helplines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

In an emergency, dial 000.

Remember, you don’t have to face this alone. There are people who care and can help you through this difficult time.

Dealing with mental health issues, like depression or anxiety, in a family member or friend isn’t easy. But you don’t have to do it alone. If you think that depression or anxiety is part of the reason the person you care about is struggling with gambling, help is available.

Are you concerned that a family member or friend is thinking about suicide?

Talking about suicide can be difficult, but it’s very important to take any thoughts or talk of suicide seriously. If you’re concerned that a family member or friend is thinking about suicide, you should:

  • Stay calm and listen carefully.
  • Let the person talk about their feelings.
  • Accept what they are saying without passing judgement or trying to solve the problem.
  • Ask if the person feels suicidal and has a plan.
  • Remove any means for self-harm, like knives or medications.
  • Don’t agree to keep the person’s suicidal thoughts a secret.
  • Seek professional help immediately. This could be from a suicide helpline, crisis centre, counsellor, doctor, emergency room, or religious leader.
  • Inform the support services about what is going on and be sure to include all key information.

The following free helplines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

In an emergency, dial 000.

Remember, you and your family member or friend don’t have to face this alone. There are people who care and can help you through this difficult time.

Dealing with mental health issues, like depression or anxiety, isn’t always easy to diagnose or manage. But you don’t have to do it alone. If you think that depression or anxiety is part of the reason someone is struggling with gambling, help is available.

Are you concerned that someone you’re working with is thinking about suicide?

Talking about suicide can be difficult – but it’s very important to take any thoughts or talk of suicide seriously. If you’re concerned that someone is thinking about suicide, you should:

  • Stay calm and listen carefully.
  • Let the person talk about their feelings.
  • Accept what they are saying without passing judgement or trying to solve the problem.
  • Ask if the person feels suicidal and has a plan.
  • Request that the person removes any means for self-harm, like knives or medications.
  • Don’t agree to keep the person’s suicidal thoughts a secret.
  • Support the person to seek professional help immediately. This could be from a suicide helpline, crisis centre, counsellor, doctor, emergency room, or religious leader.
  • Inform any support service about what you believe is going on and be sure to include all relevant information.

The following free helplines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

In an emergency, dial 000.

Do you want help for mental health issues?

For help with your mental health issues, the following free helplines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Do you want more help?

For help with your gambling and mental health issues, you can also start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 – free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Does your family member or friend want help for mental health issues?

For help with your family member or friend’s mental health issues, the following free helplines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Do you want more help?

For help with gambling and mental health issues, you or your family member or friend can start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 – free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

These services are available to support anyone affected by gambling harm, including family members or friends like you. It’s not only the person who gambles that can be affected, but the people close to them too. It’s important to take care of yourself when you’re supporting someone else. Check out the family and friends section in our peer support community to connect with people who understand.

Does someone want help for mental health issues?

For help with someone’s mental health issues, the following free helplines are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

Do you want more help?

For help with gambling and mental health issues, you or the person you’re working with can also start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 – free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

These services are available to support anyone affected by gambling harm, including family members, friends, and professionals like you. It can be hard for professionals to support people who are dealing with gambling issues. To learn more about how you can help, go to our section on How Professionals Can Help.

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