September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Unfortunately, preliminary data for 2022 showed the highest number of annual deaths due to suicide ever recorded. After adjusting for population growth and age, the suicide rate has risen a shocking 16% since 2011.
FCCG raises awareness of the connection to gambling disorder, which has the highest suicide rate of all addictions. Statistics show that one in five addicted gamblers attempts suicide.
After calling the 888-ADMIT-IT hotline, an addicted female slot machine gambler reported that she started gambling during the COVID-19 pandemic and knows several people in her community who have committed suicide as a result of slot machine disorder. gambling.
First, why are suicide rates rising across the country? Experts have yet to reach a definitive conclusion, but they noted the significance of mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing financial stressors (especially in light of rising inflation) and difficulties accessing needed mental health care. Since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, FCCG has also highlighted its impact on problem gambling. as noted when contacting support.
Regardless of what aggregate statistics may show, suicide is primarily a personal issue, and help and hope are always nearby. Anyone in crisis can call the national helpline 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any time of the day or night.
To achieve effective recovery from gambling addiction, it is critical to understand the psychology surrounding the gambling cycle of action. It is equally important to acquire skills that allow you to break the vicious circle and begin recovery. Think of it as a carousel and having to find a way to get off. How would you do it? Read on and we’ll explain how you can throw a disruption (a coping skill) into the cycle at any time to prevent it from continuing.
Crisis within a crisis: the problem of gambling as the root cause
If problem gambling is a factor, then the root cause of suicidal ideation is one’s own crisis, which requires urgent attention. If left unchecked, gambling addiction will again and again lead a person into crisis, be it suicidal or otherwise, as the pressure waxes and wanes. That’s why the 888-ADMIT-IT helpline provides dedicated support and resources to Floridians suffering from this hidden addiction, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Gambling addiction is unique in that it can quickly spiral out of control and cause serious problems in all areas of life, including financial, family, spiritual, career and emotional. Once a compulsive gambling addiction begins to take hold, the affected person may sometimes no longer recognize himself or herself, feel like his or her life is completely out of control, and come to the conclusion that there is no way out. The reality is that this could not be further from the truth: recovery from gambling disorder is possible and treatment is available. Every year, thousands of people find help and hope through 888-ADMIT-IT!
The FCCG Help Desk’s annual report showed increases across all mental health, emotional and domestic domains throughout the year, reflecting both the extent and severity of difficulties faced by problem gamblers. Anonymous data collected from 888-ADMIT-IT helpline contacts revealed higher rates of anxiety (62%), depression (63%) and neurological disorders (20%) compared to the previous year. (2) It should be noted that nearly a quarter (24%) reported suicidal ideation or attempts by the player, an increase of 50% from the previous year. In a study of mental health, emotional and everyday problems of both sexes, helpline workers this year reported higher levels of mental health and gambling-related emotional difficulties faced by female gamblers compared to male gamblers, such as anxiety and depression.
Did you know? All Florida 888-ADMIT-IT helpline technicians receive suicide prevention training both annually and before responding to their first calls to the helpline.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts due to gambling addiction, know that you are in professional hands when you call or text the helpline at 888-ADMIT-IT. Suicide is a permanent response to a temporary problem. There is always a way out of the hopelessness you or your loved one feels.
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