(TRIGGER WARNING ‼️&Very Long post)
PLEAE READ 🫶🏽
So not everyone is aware, but those of you who are thank you for always supporting me ♥️
In December 2019 I had a significant mental breakdown that ended up being the reason I had to leave my 15 year career. During this breakdown I suffered a missed miscarriage, and then boom 💥 a lockdown. With leaving my job and becoming a benefit claimant for the very first time, financial difficulties arose along side my "sporadic spending" that I'd always suffered from due to my brains madness but I'd always been able to afford that financially , however I was no longer in this position. I found a release for both in GAMBLING. From the end of 2020 to 2023 I had spent in excess of £90,000, an amount in reality I could never ever afford. I was lending Peter to pay Paul , missing important household bills and worst of all not being honest with my husband, kids, friends family and myself!... not only did this addiction near enough ruin my day to life , my mental health and relationships. It also pushed me to near suicide... I had to get help, I had to own up to myself what mess I was in, and be honest with those around me. Or it would never get better trying to suffer in silence. Since October 2023 I have registered with GamStop, and Gamban. I have told my bank and my husbands. I have told all bill companies, I've told my therapists and GPs. Due to an issue that arose in Feb 2024 I had a relapse but I am now in a much stronger more resilient position.
I'm telling everyone else because people who don't have any addictions or toxic traits need to understand it is an illness I wouldn't generally make the decision to spend my children's money or my rent etc , IT IS AN ILLNESS and there needs to be so much more awareness especially for young mums. When people think of a gambler the majority imagine an old man going the bookies. But in reality it can affect anyone and everyone. DO NOT BE ASHAMED!
I have created a support group as I want to support mums in gaining the confidence to open up , seek advice and help, and get out of clutches of gambling as I completely empathise with YOU! I know how shameful and degrading to yourself it is, I know no one else can make you feel as bad as you make yourself feel I understand the guilt and I also know how hard the little steps to recovery are ! Also if everyone knows then I feel more protected and deterred from relapsing. Please join or share , feel free to post anonymously or publicly and do not hesitate to come to me privately and in confidence for advice support love and pointing in the direction of professional help.https://www.facebook.com/share/g/vu3cL4Y7JLrLvop3/?mibextid=K35XfP