Racetrack wagering in areas like Monmouth, NJ can seem like a fun way to try to pick up some cash. Unfortunately, that isn’t what typically happens — the reality is worse.
Depression is both a cause and an effect of problem gambling, whether it’s racetrack wagering in Freehold, NJ or casino gambling in Atlantic City. As debt and financial losses pile up, these troubles can lead to feelings of anxiety as well as problems with loved ones. As a gambler racks up debt, he or she may experience a loss of self-control, a sense of hopelessness, and other changes in behavior, which can lead to more gambling, and ultimately, may contribute to suicidal thoughts and actions.
Entering Recovery is Not Always the End of Depression
While seeking help for a gambling problem is a major step toward a return to a healthy mental state, a problem gambler can still experience feelings and circumstances that may contribute to suicidal thoughts or actions. When problem gamblers decide to seek help, it doesn’t make their debts magically disappear. Instead, financial worries can continue to contribute feelings of anxiety, guilt, and shame.
But hope is available, and there is no cause for shame or guilt in calling CCGNJ’s helpline, 800-GAMBLER.
Sources
https://knowtheodds.org/blog/problem-gambling-suicide-ideation/