National Mental Health Awareness Week is a time to talk openly about the challenges so many of us face—but often in silence. At The Debt Advice Service, we want to shine a light on an issue that affects thousands of individuals and families across the UK every year: the complex relationship between gambling, debt, and mental health.
If you’re struggling in this space, it’s important to know—you are not alone, and help is available.
Gambling: A Hidden Struggle
For many, gambling starts as harmless fun—scratch cards, online games, a flutter on the weekend. But when gambling becomes a way to escape stress, cope with anxiety, or chase losses, it can quickly spiral into something far more damaging.
It’s not just about money—it’s about mental health.
People often turn to gambling as a way to self-soothe when they’re feeling low, anxious, or hopeless. The problem? It offers a quick escape, but can leave behind a trail of financial devastation and emotional exhaustion.
The Vicious Cycle: Mental Health, Gambling & Debt
Gambling can create a painful cycle that’s difficult to break:
- You feel anxious, stressed or depressed
- You gamble for a brief escape or high
- You lose money, leading to debt and guilt
- You feel worse, and the urge to gamble grows stronger
Shame, secrecy, and stigma only worsen the cycle. Many people hide their gambling habits—often even from those closest to them—until the financial and emotional toll becomes overwhelming.
Signs Gambling May Be Affecting Your Mental Health
- Constant thoughts about gambling or chasing losses
- Hiding spending or lying about money
- Anxiety, depression, or mood swings linked to financial stress
- Borrowing money or using credit to gamble
- Feeling hopeless, trapped, or suicidal due to financial losses
If any of these sound familiar, please know: there is help, and there is hope.
Support That Makes a Difference
At The Debt Advice Service, we work with individuals every day who are dealing with the fallout of gambling-related debt. We understand how complex it can be—and we never judge.
Here’s how we can help:
- ✅ Confidential debt advice tailored to your situation
- ✅ Practical steps to regain control of your finances
- ✅ Links to gambling support services, such as:
- GAMSTOP – a free self-exclusion tool to block access to UK online gambling sites
- Gamble Aware – Offer free advice, tools and support to help keep people safe from gambling harms
You Deserve a Fresh Start
Mental Health Awareness Week is about compassion, honesty, and change. If gambling is impacting your mental health or finances, this can be your moment to reach out and take the first step toward healing. Even if you’re not in debt now, it’s reassuring to know what help and support is available should you need us in the future.
👉 Contact us today for no obligation, confidential advice:
📲 www.thedebtadviceservice.co.uk/contact-us
You don’t have to face this alone.
The path forward might feel uncertain, but with the right support—you can rebuild, recover, and move forward with confidence.
For free advice go to Moneyhelper.org.uk – we are not associated with Money Helper. If you enter a solution with TDAS fees may apply.