What is mental health?

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological and social well -being, it is equally important to take care of our physical health. Our mental health affects how we think, we hear and act. It also helps to determine how we manage stress, we relate to others and make choices.

When our mental health is good, we like to be with other people and face challenges and new experiences. When our mental health is not so good, we find more difficult to cope.

If negative thoughts and feelings begin to influence your daily life, you may need a certain support with your mental health.

What does gambling with mental health has to do?

Gambling is associated with mental health in different ways. To begin with, some young people bet to escape from problems or bad feelings. Almost one in five (18%) of 11-16 years old children in a recent survey on young people and gambling said they would be more likely to bet if they worried about something.

In addition to this, if the gambling escapes hands, it can have serious effects on mental health, causing stress, anxiety and depression. Another problem is that young people with existing mental health problems are more at risk of harmful gambling.

Anxiety and depression – What are they?

When gambling escapes control, it can cause anxiety and depression, which are two of the most common concerns for mental health. Although many people bet to escape the feelings of depression or other mental health problems, gambling can actually worsen these conditions. The charity of mental health of young young people explain more about anxiety and depression:

Anxiety

Most of us sometimes worry about things like friendships or money – and they feel anxious when we are under stress, as at the time of examination. But later I usually calm us and we feel better. But when you are not in a stressful situation and you still feel worried or panicked, it is when anxiety can become a problem. Read more about anxiety here.

Depression

Sometimes we all feel down or down, but if your negative emotions last long or they feel very serious, you may have depression. Depression is a mood disorder in which you feel a lot down. Depression can happen as a reaction to something such as abuse, bullying or family breaking, but it can also work in families. Read more about depression here.

Signs that gambling could affect your mental health

While gambling occasionally may not cause problems, if gambling intensifies it can be harmful to your mental health.

Have you tried any of these feelings because of gambling?

• You feel stressed, anxious or depressed
• You feel isolated, shameful or guilty
• You’re not sleeping or eating well
• You started drinking alcohol or taking drugs or doing it more often
• You are not making an effort with friends or family
• You cannot be disturbed to go out, do activities or see people

If you replied yes to one of these, Gamcare can support help. You can also find information and support for mental health at the charity of children and young young people.