Gambling and betting are often associated with adrenaline, excitement and the possibility of quick profits. However, the addictive game hides serious mental health consequences. Although many people consider gambling in land-based casinos or through apps as entertainment, it can have devastating effects on players' psychological wellbeing. The impact of gambling on human health is an important topic to study and understand, as it can be the cause of serious problems for both players and their loved ones.

Gambling and the risk of developing depression

Gambling can have a significant impact on a person's mental health, including the development of depression. While many people may start gambling as a recreational activity or even an attempt to improve their financial situation, for some, it can develop into a harmful addiction with serious consequences for their emotional state.

Psychological studies show that gambling addiction can be a way to cope with stress and anxiety for some people. However, when a player faces losses, which is a normal part of gambling, it can cause feelings of helplessness, powerlessness and despair, which in turn can lead to depression.

In addition, problems with sleep, mood, appetite and energy can occur during the gambling process, all of which are characteristic signs of depression. A person begins to experience constant anxiety about finances and quarrels with loved ones over money or time spent gambling, and this only exacerbates the situation.

Gambling and its effect on mood 

Gambling can have a significant impact on a person's mood, and this impact can be both positive and negative. Let's start with the positive aspects: for many people, gambling can be a way to have fun, take a break from everyday life, and experience the excitement of waiting to win. When players experience excitement and adrenaline, it can induce feelings of euphoria and lift their mood.

However, this is only one side of the coin. If a user is faced with a prolonged series of setbacks or losses, it can greatly affect their mood. Often players become frustrated, irritated and even angry over losses. Such emotions lead to stress, insomnia and anxiety, which in turn negatively affects the overall mood.

In addition, gambling often turns into addiction. This leads to a deterioration of mood, a sense of helplessness and even the development of depression. A person begins to lose interest in other activities and hobbies, which also negatively affects his emotional state.

Gambling, anxiety and stress 

Gambling often has a significant impact on a person's mental state, including increasing anxiety and stress. The appeal of roulette or blackjack is often the sense of adrenaline and excitement they produce, but this emotional boost can also cause anxiety and stress.

Participating in gambling can cause a person to experience heightened feelings of anxiety and worry before betting or during the game. Some people experience anxiety because of the potential loss of money, while for others, it may arise from the uncertainty of winning. These experiences can lead to symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, nervousness, restlessness and insomnia.

In addition, gambling is often a source of significant stress. Constant worrying about the outcome of a game, financial losses, or even trying to hide your addiction from others can lead to increased stress levels. Losing control over gambling or finances can also contribute to poor mental health and cause significant stress.

It is important to note that for some people, gambling becomes a way of coping with stressful situations. However, if gambling becomes the primary or only way to manage emotions and stress, it can become toxic and lead to a decline in mental well-being.

How to help a loved one with a gambling addiction 

Helping a loved one with problem gambling behaviour requires a combination of care, support, and professional help. There are several steps that can be helpful in this process:

• It is important, to begin with an open and sincere conversation about the problem of gambling addiction. Express care and support by showing your willingness to help.

• Suggest that your loved one see a professional psychologist or counsellor who specializes in addiction. Open up to discuss treatment and support options.

• Together, you and your loved one can develop an action plan for overcoming gambling addiction. This plan may include seeking appropriate therapy, participating in group support sessions, or enrolling in an addiction recovery program.

• Limit access to money to prevent further losses. This may include managing a budget together or even temporarily cutting off access to financial resources to prevent gambling.

• The support of the people around you plays an important role in the fight against addiction. Show your support, but also set clear boundaries in relationships and business dealings to protect yourself and others from the negative effects of gambling addiction.

Fighting gambling addiction is a long and difficult process that requires patience, support and the involvement of many people. It is important to remember that support and love from loved ones play an important role in helping a person cope with problem gambling behaviour.

Whether you play in land-based casinos or online through app1win and other apps from well-known brands, the risks of mental health problems are still high. Therefore, if you have problems with self-control, it is better not to take risks and choose less dangerous entertainment for yourself. And, of course, people suffering from gambling addiction should not relocate to Las Vegas and other places where there are many casinos.