After 15 years of debate, pathological gambling was moved into addiction disorders in DSM-5, due to the chemical influence it has on our brain's reward system. Gamblers and drug addicts even share. He said: “It’s not difficult to argue that gambling contributes very strongly to suicidal thinking, especially when debts are so severe that suicide becomes part of the solution a person thinks. Suicide If you're dealing with suicidal thoughts or thinking about self-harm, it's important to know that you're not alone. Help is available when you're feeling low – you don't have to hurt yourself or suffer in silence.

Most gamblers lose. So why do people bet their hard-earned money? Find out a bit about the psychology of gambling, why people bet money and the reasons for gambling.

Psychology of Gambling: Reasons for Gambling

Ok, so we all understand that gambling offers you the chance of winning money or prizes, but have you considered some of the other reasons for gambling? A look into the psychology of gambling offers insight into that question.

Why Do People Gamble? - Risk Taking

One of the reasons for gambling is that it's human nature to feel excited when taking risks and the positive feeling gained from gambling is no different. 'Will my numbers come up?' 'Will my team win?' The sense of anticipation creates a natural high, an adrenalin rush, a feeling that very many of us seek when looking for fun and entertainment. A feeling that some people believe they cannot live without.

Why Do People Gamble? - Escapism

The gambling environment can provide an escape from everyday life. Whether it be the glitzy casino environment, a loud and exciting amusement arcade or even an online betting company, for the time that we are taking part we can be surrounded by different people, different sounds and emotions, all of which stimulate and arouse our senses.

Why Do People Gamble? - Glamorous

The media and advertising agencies understand the psychology of gambling and often portray a stylish, sexy, fashionable image of gambling. In film and TV, we see characters enjoying a night at the casino or an afternoon at the races. There is often a suggestion of 'high society' and attending at 'a place to be seen'.

Why Do People Gamble? - Social

Gambling is accepted as part of this country's culture and as such is widely participated in (with varying frequency) by the majority of the population. Some young people are introduced to gambling by learning to play card games with their parents at home, maybe we go the bingo with friends on a Friday night or meet after school at the amusement arcade.

Psychology of Gambling: The Common Misperception

The above reasons for gambling all tie into this: most people think about gambling as a low-risk, high-yield proposition. In reality, it's the opposite: a high-risk, low-yield situation. The odds always favor the house. Despite that, the thought and excitement of hitting a casino jackpot are often too alluring - regardless of its probability.

Learn more about Types of Gamblers and Signs of Gambling Addiction.

Sources:

• Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery

next: What Type of Gambling is the Most Addictive and Why?
~ all gambling addiction articles
~ all articles on addictions

APA Reference
Gluck, S. (2008, December 29). Psychology of Gambling: Why Do People Gamble?, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2020, December 18 from https://www.healthyplace.com/addictions/gambling-addiction/psychology-of-gambling-reasons-for-gambling

Talking about suicide can be a scary subject. But the more people are willing to talk with a friend or family member about suicidal thoughts, the more likely they can help someone take positive steps towards healing.

Many people assume that if you ask someone if they have suicidal thoughts, that you can put the idea into their head. This is a myth, and mental health professionals encourage people to ask important questions and gather facts to help someone who is depressed or feels hopeless. When someone is contemplating suicide, their words and actions can give you clues that they are at risk for hurting themselves.

People can become suicidal when they feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges. They lack hope for the future, and they see suicide as the only solution. It’s sort of a tunnel vision where other options seem useless. Having a family history of suicide or impulsive behavior is also believed to increase risk of suicidality.

Other risk factors can include:

• History of substance abuse
• Access to firearms
• Difficult life events
• Isolation from others
• History of mental illness
• History of physical or sexual abuse
• Having a terminal or chronic illness
• Past suicide attempts

The more signs you see, the higher the risk there is for suicide. Though talking about dying is an obvious sign, there are many others that can indicate risk. There are emotional, verbal, and behavior clues you can observe.

Emotional Markers can include:

• Feeling depressed
• Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Irritability
• Anger
• Shame or humiliation
• Mood swings

Verbal Markers include talking about:

• Killing themselves
• Their life having no purpose
• Feeling like a burden
• Feeling stuck
• Not wanting to exist

There are two types of suicidal statements or thoughts. An active statement might be something like, “I’m going to kill myself.” A passive statement might include, “I wish I could go to sleep and not wake up,” or, “I wouldn’t mind if I got hit by a bus.” People often ignore passive statements, but they should be taken just as seriously.

Behavioral Markers can include:

• Isolating from others
• Not communicating with friends or family
• Giving away possessions or writing a will
• Driving recklessly
• Increased aggression
• Increased drug and alcohol use
• Searching about suicide on the Internet
• Gathering materials (pills or a weapon)

Older adults also at increased risk for suicide, and they complete suicide at a higher rate than any other age group. They also are especially at risk because they do not usually seek counseling for depression and other mental illnesses. If you see an older adult who stops taking care of their hygiene, is eating poorly, and/or starts giving away their possessions, then you should help them talk to a mental health professional as soon as possible.

Learn More About Depression in the Elderly

Depression can occur in the elderly, but it is not a normal part of aging. Find out more about depression in the elderly here.

Warning Signs For Kids

Many people do not assume that children and teens can be at risk for suicide, but they can exhibit warning signs as well. If a child is talking about suicide or wanting to die, always take them seriously. An event or problem that might not seem like a big deal to an adult can be extremely stressful for a child or teenager. Children and teens might be at risk for suicide if they:

• Experience bullying
• Lose someone close to them
• Experience physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
• Abuse drugs or alcohol
• Have a history of mental illness
• Feel uncertain about their sexual orientation

[Click to Read: The Tragedy of Child Suicide]

What You Can Do Today?

If you see a loved one or even an acquaintance or colleague exhibiting any of these signs, you are not powerless to help them. Don’t hesitate to use specific language, such as asking, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” If the answer is yes or maybe, ask them what they feel most comfortable doing, whether it’s calling a crisis hotline or scheduling a counseling or doctor’s appointment.

If a person is thinking of suicide, it’s also important to ask them if they have a plan. If they say yes, assist them in seeking immediately help. They can simply walk into an emergency room or urgent care clinic, or they can call 911. At any time they can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Feeling Suicidal Over Gambling

Read More About Suicide Prevention

Do you know someone who is showing signs of suicide? Visit our suicide prevention page to better understand the risk factors and what you can do to help.

Suicide is preventable, and people who feel hopeless can go on to live full and healthy lives. While you can’t control another person’s action, you can be a powerful and intervening force in their lives. So what can you do today to help a loved one choose life?

Feeling Suicidal After Gambling Rules

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