Hit rock bottom

[lostitall]

Name changed due to the same
I have lost all my savings due to gambling. Things got totally out of hand during lockdown. A mixture of needing the buzz but then thinking I could make that bit more. I was foolish and got greedy. That money was meant to be to treat the kids to stuff after a shocking year. I know now I need help but feel so truly shocking I've screwed my kids over
No point to this btw but I needed to tell somebody

Anyone been in this situation who can offer some help?

I have. Got into a huge mess but am now over 3yrs clean.

Go to gamcare website and contact them, they should be able to arrange some counselling for you. The forums are helpful as well. Go to GameStop website and register for a self exclusion for 5yrs.

That's the practicals.

The money is gone, you need to forget about that and not try to win it back.

You will feel like the world is ending and hate yourself. That will get easier but use those emotions to not relapse.

Thank you
This is bound to add to the terrible depression and self loathing I was already feeling

Have you contacted your GP to get some medicine for the depression? I know its hard to get an appointment but they can prescribe over the phone.

Yes I've been on meds a while. Recently been advised to increase my dose
I'm still so appalled at this stupid idiot behaviour.

Unfortunately you will still feel like that for a while. It absolutely killed me inside but it does fade.
Try the gamcare website and please contact them.I had 8 counselling sessions free and it helped me massively. I was able to work out my triggers which then helped me not gamble any more.
GameStop will self exclude you from all reputable websites in one fail swoop. It gave me that extra reassurance that I couldn't gamble even if I wanted to.
Have you told anyone in real life?

Ok. That’s good.
I’ve hit rock bottom twice so far. Use it as a trigger to take control. You can do this.

(And plan free treats for the kids.)

@SmellyUnicorn

Unfortunately you will still feel like that for a while. It absolutely killed me inside but it does fade. Try the gamcare website and please contact them.I had 8 counselling sessions free and it helped me massively. I was able to work out my triggers which then helped me not gamble any more. GameStop will self exclude you from all reputable websites in one fail swoop. It gave me that extra reassurance that I couldn't gamble even if I wanted to. Have you told anyone in real life?

Yes I've told my best friend