HOW GABLING TRIGGERS MENTAL HEALTH
Gambling and Mental Health: The Hidden Crisis
In the current situation brought about by the crisis and burdens of this present time, many of our fellow citizens have been drawn to gambling due to its promise of winning large prizes and covering daily living expenses.
From traditional games like Lottery, Bingo, Casino, Cockfighting, and the currently popular online gambling games like Sports Betting and Scatter, which are more commonly played by ordinary citizens across various social strata. The promise of winning is now closer to every player, thanks to the Internet and Mobile Applications closer to them. But behind the joy and hope of winning in gambling, which brings to every player, there is the opposite effect on the mental health state of each person who plays it.
The Psychological Impact of Gambling
When a gambler becomes accustomed to playing, they may experience intense emotions such as excitement, nervousness, and extreme joy whenever they win. However, when they lose, they may feel sadness, anger, disappointment, and stress. The cyclical nature of emotions due to gambling can lead to mental exhaustion or fatigue.
Many individuals also become dependent on gambling as a way to escape personal problems, poverty, or emotional struggles. Eventually, this can lead to anxiety, depression, and loss of mental control.
“According to Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chief Alejandro Tengco, 32 million adult people were online gamblers, but the active users were about 10 million adult gamblers.”
— PAGCOR Official Statement
It seems that the online gambling craze continues to produce and destroy the finances and health of its players in difficult situations.
Having an Addiction to Gambling
Gambling addiction or severe gambling is a serious condition experienced by a player who is deeply addicted to gambling, affecting not only the mind but also relationships with family and community. A person addicted to gambling often loses time interacting with their family, encounters financial problems, and sometimes feels compelled to lie to hide their vice.
As gambling addiction worsens, a person may experience:
- Intense stress and overthinking — Constant preoccupation with gambling outcomes and financial worries.
- Lack of sleep or insomnia — Restless nights caused by anxiety over losses or the urge to play again.
- Anxiety and panic attacks — Overwhelming fear and worry triggered by financial pressure and debt.
- Irritability or being easily angered — Emotional instability affecting relationships with loved ones.
- Depression and loss of hope — Deep feelings of helplessness when gambling problems spiral out of control.
Important: In some severe cases of gambling addiction, some individuals experience self-harm or suicidal thoughts due to the overwhelming problems caused by intense gambling. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek professional help immediately. You are not alone.
Impact on Family and Society
It is not only the gambler who is affected by severe gambling problems. Even their loved ones can experience emotional and financial hardships. This causes arguments, the breakdown of trust, and the disintegration of family relationships.
In social issues, the levels of crime, debt, and poverty may increase due to excessive gambling addiction. Due to the issues happening in the present time, it is important to have discussions about gambling addiction and to have timely discussions about its negative effects on mental health.
How to Avoid the Negative Effects of Gambling
It is important to have discipline and self-control when playing. Here are some ways to avoid the negative effects of gambling:
Conclusion
The course of life nowadays is like gambling; sometimes you win, but more often you lose. Gambling can start as a simple pastime, but when it becomes excessive, it can lead to serious mental health problems.
Proper knowledge, discipline, and support from family and the community are important to avoid its negative effects. In the end, true success in playing is not in gambling, but in the honorable growth achieved through saving money, living peacefully, and building stronger relationships with family, guided by the Lord for a peaceful life.
