Gambling Affecting Mental Health

Gambling Disorder Services, administered by the Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration, are contractually provided by Health Management Systems of America (HMSA), NorthCare Network, Northern Michigan Regional Entity (NMRE), Lakeshore Regional Entity (LRE), Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health (SWMBH), Mid-State Behavioral Health (MSBH), Community Mental Health Partner. Gambling disorder involves repeated problematic gambling behavior that causes significant problems or distress. It is also called gambling addiction or compulsive gambling. For some people gambling becomes an addiction — the effects they get from gambling are similar to effects someone with alcoholism gets from alcohol. At the same time, there might be other factors that can trigger gambling addiction. It might be mental health problems like bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and ADHD. Personality traits may also be the cause of addiction. For example, some people are in constant search for excitement and thrill. Developing a strategy, creating a balanced approach to the gambling process, calculating combinations, and the probability of winning – all these actions positively affect your mental health.

The majority of the world’s adult population engages in some form of gambling each year, and reviews of online casinos are becoming more accessible than ever before. Gambling has always been perceived as a sinful activity, and the healthcare industry has always looked at gambling from a negative perspective. However, it’s scientifically proven that when enjoyed recreationally, gambling can have some very surprising health benefits.

Be that as it may, gambling should only be considered a form of entertainment; otherwise, it may become a serious problem and can turn into an addiction. Let’s see why gambling can actually be good for you if treated as a fun once-in-a-while activity.

Gambling Can Be Useful for Relaxation

Various studies have proven how recreational activities can be relaxing and may help if a person is stressed or anxious. If gambling is used as the preferred form of relaxation, then it can have the same result as reading or other similar activities. Thus, betting on the Gold Cup race, for example, could be a good way to relax. Many gambling enthusiasts have stated that playing casino games helps them deal better with hard times. By enjoying some leisure time activities like gambling, people can eliminate the possibility of developing stress-related illnesses that can be as mild as a headache or as serious as cancer.

Gambling Affecting Mental Health Issues

Keeping the Mind Active

Aside from stress-relief effects of recreational gambling, research has also shown that playing casino games keeps the mind sharp by improving cognitive brain function. Keeping the mind active is particularly beneficial for older people, and casino games such as blackjack or poker can serve as an effective concentration technique. Although many people visualize a casino as a place where hundreds of people are staring at slots machines, this is no longer the case as online casinos now offer the possibility to play games from home and totally hassle-free.

Social Benefits

Gambling has significant social benefits because, when players are playing casino games, they are also talking and joking around with other players. Also, users playing online games can interact with other people via forums and chat facilities. This is particularly important for older people who may become isolated and lonely because they are no longer independent or mobile as they once were.

When Gambling Becomes a Problem

Gambling as a form of recreation and entertainment can have a positive impact on your mental health. However, gambling can become a problem when it cannot be controlled and when it significantly affects your finances, relationships, and even workplace. This type of compulsive behavior is called “problem gambling” and it can be very harmful to psychological and physical health. Because of its negative consequences, gambling addiction has become a significant public concern worldwide.

October is home to National Mental Health Awareness Week. While these seven days are designated to educate people about mental health issues, it’s important that the other 358 follow suit. This movement’s goal is to let everybody know that mental illness is not equated to personal weakness. According to Neva Pryor, Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, The National Alliance on Mental Illness’ website encourages everybody to see the person for who they are and not for their illness.

Did You Know? 1 in 5 Americans lives with a mental health condition. You or somebody you know likely deals with mental illness every day, and needs compassion, empathy and understanding. What they don’t need is judgment, criticism or a stigma.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey are taking the pledge to be #StigmaFree, and you can, too.

• Together wecan promote acceptance.
• Together wecan actively challenge negative social stereotypes.
• Together wecan shift the social and systemic barriers for those living with mental health conditions.
• Together wecan encourage understanding through powerful words and meaningful actions.

Share your #StigmaFree images, posts, and support on every platform. Inspire others through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and SnapChat.

How does mental health relate to gambling?

• In one of our previous blog posts, “How Gambling Affects Your Health,” we discuss how gambling can cause mental stress ranging from anxiety to depression and suicidal thoughts. Combining preexisting mental health disorders can multiply these side effects and lead to gambling spiraling out of control.
• The correlation between problem gambling and mental health issues is complicated. Sometimes gambling can lead to mental health problems, and sometimes the sequence occurs in reverse order.

Picture This: You’ve been suffering from anxiety and panic attacks for five years. You’ve found a great regimen of treatment that has been working. Your best childhood friend is getting married, and you are invited to the bachelor(ette) party in Atlantic City. Everything is going fine until the group decides to post up at the roulette table.

You think to yourself, “I should probably sit this round out. I am living paycheck to paycheck and a financial loss would really set me back.” You maintain your composure. You sit back and watch your friends gamble for hours on end while you take advantage of the complimentary cocktails. “Am I the only one no having fun? One or two bets can’t hurt,” you think to yourself.

(Blog Image Source – Roulette Table)

You decide to join the crowd and play a few spins. You exchange your hard-earned $100 bill for some plastic chips and after a few wagers (some winning and some losing) you up the stakes. “This is easy. I am having fun, and I only lost $50,” you say to the stranger to your left.

Fast forward one hour, two drinks and three ATM withdrawals. The fun has stopped, and so has the winning streak. Your group heads back to the hotel rooms, and you are having second thoughts. “Was that $1,000 worth the rush? Was that the cost of fitting in?” You may even justify the decision to yourself and conjure a plan to win back your losses in a different type of game (i.e. sports gambling in East Rutherford, NJ, or in Atlantic City).

Everybody is going to sleep, but your mind is uneasy. You realize that you have to tell your roommates about losing next month’s rent and the stress snowballs into intense anxiety. You can’t sleep. You can barely breathe. “Oh no. Please. No. Not here. I can’t have a panic attack here.” Unfortunately, it’s too late. Your fate has been decided for you, and your mental health issue is rearing its ugly head…

In conclusion:

• Don’t let the bright lights and peer pressure trigger your recurring mental health issues. Whether you have a health issue or gambling addiction, help is available.
• Situations like the one above do not have to affect you or your loved ones ever again. There is hope. For more information on our services and the relationship between mental health and gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Gambling Affecting Mental Health Benefits

Our support team is available 24 hours a day, and we are here for you, your friends, or anybody who needs help handling problematic gambling and sports betting around East Rutherford, NJ.