Mental health and gambling harm

Gambling harm and mental health concerns often go hand-in-hand.

For some people, the stress from gambling losses can cause anxiety or depression.  

For others, gambling provides an escape. For some people, the stress from gambling losses can cause anxiety or depression.  

Either way, people may seek help for a mental illness without their gambling problems being recognised.

To help address this issue, Gambler’s Help Southern and The Alfred Mental Health and Gambling Harm Service Victoria have developed the program - Gambling. What’s the harm?

The program aims to draw attention to the link between gambling harm and mental health concerns in an effort to ensure gambling harm doesn’t go unidentified and untreated.

While we know the connection between gambling harm and mental health concerns, often the shame and stigma associated with gambling can stop people them from seeking support.

We also know that people may be more likely to seek professional help for other issues such as anxiety, depression, family violence or substance use than for their gambling problems.

Help to raise awareness 

To help address the issue, Gambler’s Help Southern has developed a stakeholder toolkit for organisations designed to help clinicians:

• Understand the prevalence of harm and co-morbidities with mental health concerns;
• Identify the signs a patient/client may be experiencing harm from gambling, either their own or someone else’s;
• Start the conversation with patients/clients by asking a question about gambling harm; and
• Refer patients/clients to Gambler’s Help Southern or reach out for more information and support.

If you would like more information about gambling harm and mental health, visit gamblershelpsouthern.org.au/campaigns or call Gamblers Help Southern on 03) 9575 5353 for free, confidential support.

Find out more visit  gamblershelpsouthern.org.au/campaigns