Video Transcription

Gambling opening up to people

“For me, with my gambling, I probably always thought that I was a little bit different from other people. I’d be more than happy to spend hours and hours betting on horses, playing pokies. I secretly knew I needed help, but I was ashamed of what I was doing.

The stress and anxiety didn’t stop on a Sunday morning. It was constantly hanging over your head.

Reaching out to a counsellor—having someone that didn’t know my background, that I could just be completely honest with—made a big difference.

As a young bloke growing up in a small country town, you don’t talk about your feelings; you don’t talk about what’s bothering you. It really helped outside of the gambling as well. Once you start being open and honest with your communication, it just makes life so much easier.

I spent so much time not telling people what was going on because I was worried about their reactions. But once I started to open up to people and let them know what was happening for me, I was amazed at the positivity and the amount of support I had from people.

It can be really daunting sharing your own story. I didn’t realise at the time how beneficial it was just to be able to verbalise what I was thinking and feeling.

By talking about it, you’re one step closer to getting the help that you need.”

Video by Responsible Gambling