Ashamed of how much I've spent on a stupid mobile game

[CareHomeWorries]

Been having a really rough time so far this year (my mum died, my dad was moved into a care home, my car was written off by a drunk driver crashing into it and I've been suffering with very severe anxiety)

I've been playing a stupid game called Gecko Out. It's a puzzle game and has been a good distraction from everything. I've just looked properly at my bank and I've spent £100+ on buying coins and power ups.

I feel so ashamed and bloody stupid for doing it. I can afford it but it's such a waste of money. Just didn't realize how often I was spending money on it, especially when it was just a couple of quid at a time. I've deleted it now and won't do it again but I feel awful over wasting the money.

Don't worry about it, at least you had a look how much you spent and owned up to yourself about it.

Did you enjoy playing the game? Some of them really are just money gouging and ridiculous, and they are made to be deliberately addictive, but they are not all as bad, and I don't mind giving developers a few quid when they have made a fun game that I've enjoyed like any other kind of entertainment.

If you can't control it, best to stay away entirely.

I did really enjoy the game! I have uninstalled it now though because some levels were impossible to solve without spending coins which is wrong.

Thats the problem with a lot of these games. They get you hooked, then the expenditure creeps in.

My DS is a gamer and would spend ££££s if I didn't control his money (ND - and he wants me to help him manage his money, before anyone squeaks) so we have agreed a weekly amount that I will put on his card to spend on games.

He is socially anxious so doesn't really like pubs or clubs, so socialising in Xbox parties etc., is important to him.

Nothing wrong with you gaming or spending money in games, just set yourself a sensible budget.

IMO, what you did was not any different to binge eating, drinking or whatever else we have all used as coping skills and then realising they aren't actually healthy behaviours and modifying them when we wake up from our stupor.

I don't think you should be ashamed at all. I think you did what you did to get through what you needed to get through and now you've moved on. ❤

It was a coping mechanism and probably needed short term. No harm in that. Having lost your mum and dealing with everything else, £200 is a small price to pay for some comfort. You have got something to show for it, it helped you through a difficult time. Good to notice now as you’re right, these games are designed to lure more money out of you. But don’t beat yourself up, we’ve all done the equivalent.