National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling
The relationship between gambling and suicide is now more apparent than ever. Gamblers who report high-risk gambling behaviors are at increased risk of suicide. They can feel alone and their distress isn’t obvious. Suicidal ideation may be viewed as a way of escaping life in turmoil or a perceived world that is destroyed.
Nearly 50% of people struggling with problems due to gambling/gambling addiction have had thoughts of suicide.
Supporting someone who is feeling in distress and/or has thoughts of suicide: The five action steps for communicating with someone who may be suicidal are supported by evidence in the field of suicide prevention.
ASK – Asking the question “Are you thinking about suicide?” communicates that you’re open to speaking about suicide in a non-judgmental and supportive way.
BE THERE – Being there for someone with thoughts of suicide is life-saving. Increasing someone’s connectedness to others and limiting their isolation (both in the short and long-term) has shown to be a protective factor against suicide.
KEEP THEM SAFE – If they have immediate access to a firearm and are very serious about attempting suicide, then extra steps (like calling for emergency help or driving them to an emergency department) might be necessary.
HELP THEM FEEL CONNECTED – Helping someone with thoughts of suicide connect with ongoing supports (like the 988 Lifeline) can help them establish a safety net for those moments they find themselves in a crisis and reduce feelings of hopelessness.
FOLLOW UP – After your initial contact with a person experiencing thoughts of suicide, and after you’ve connected them with the immediate support systems they need, make sure to follow-up with them to see how they’re doing. Leave a message, send a text, or give them a call.
To find out more go to https://www.bethe1to.com/ and help make a difference in a person who needs help.
- Suicide is among the top ten leading causes of death in the US
- Since its establishment in 2005, Lifeline has received over 23 million calls
- 22% of the 43,000 Maryland callers to Lifeline were Veterans
- Maryland Lifeline calls have increased 69% Since 2016
- Each call to 988 Lifeline instead of 911 can save thousands of dollars to taxpayers
- 90% of Lifeline callers report that a follow up call kept them safe
- Loss – financial, self-esteem, valuable relationships, job
- Coping with mental health and/or substance abuse issues
- Being a burden to others
- Feeling trapped
- Unbearable pain
- Isolation and loneliness
- Feeling of hopelessness and helplessness
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling
KNOW THAT… You are not alone – There is Hope.
Getting your life back on the road to recovery from harmful gambling behaviors and creating a life of health and wellness is a journey that requires time and energy. Relapses are not uncommon, feelings of hopelessness may return and become overwhelming. But you are not alone.
KNOW THAT… Recovery is possible.
A Peer Recovery Support Specialist can provide an additional level of support as they have lived experience in addiction and have walked a similar path. A Peer will be there , listening and supporting you every step of the way to limit, control or stop your gambling behavior. A Peer will help you feel Safe & connected to the resources you need including “no cost” treatment. A Peer will follow up with you and support you on your recovery journey.
September is also National Recovery Month . This month start on the road to recovery with the help of a Peer Recovery Support Specialist. Peer Recovery Support for problem gambling/gambling addiction helps widen the doorways of entry into treatment and recovery: CLICK HERE to learn more and get valuable resources.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, help is available. Call or text now to talk to a trained professional.
