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Gambling and Mental Health

Is your gambling affecting your mental health?
 
If your gambling is causing you concern, chances are your mental health is suffering as a result.
 
People may not see a connection between their gambling and their health concerns however, problem gambling is associated with a range of mental health problems:
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Other mood disorders
  • Heavy alcohol use or drug problems
  • Poor physical health (such as headaches and difficulty sleeping)
  • Suicidality
Problem gambling coincides with high rates of co-morbidity (the existence of other conditions such as alcohol and drug use and mental health issues, particularly depression) and cross addiction. There is also considerable evidence that people gamble to alleviate psychological problems.
 
A recent Australian study found that problem gamblers were at risk of depression at a rate of 71.4% and were likely to have an alcohol problem at a rate of 50%2.
 
 
If you require help or emergency assistance for a mental health issue please call one of the following help lines:
 
Assessment and Crisis Intervention Service
13 14 65 (24 hours, 7 days)
 
Lifeline
131 114 (24 hours, 7 days)
 
Crisis Care
131 611 (after hours, local call fee)
beyondblue info line
1300 22 4636 (local call fee)
 
Find out more about other help services click here
 
2 Monash University and the University of Melbourne (2008), Risk and Protective Factors, Depression and Comorbidities in Problem Gambling, Victoria

 

 

 

 

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LAST UPDATED MAY 2012