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For students, life can be tough sometimes – study stress, social anxiety or friendship breakdowns, and the feeling of isolation after moving away from home. These things can affect an individual’s mental health, and they might look for ways to feel better. Quick fixes, like drinking, taking illegal drugs, or gambling might feel like escapism, but they can also make things worse later on.
Gambling can be both a cause or a consequence of poor mental health, and gambling harms can significantly impact an individual’s wellbeing, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. This page outlines the ways in which gambling can impact a young person’s mental health, and highlights some things for you to look out for in yourself, and in others.
Increased anxiety: Gambling can lead to heightened levels of anxiety due to the stress of losing money and the pressure to win.
Depression: The emotional highs and lows of gambling can contribute to feelings of worthlessness and depression.
Social isolation: Excessive gambling can cause individuals to withdraw from social activities and relationships.
Financial stress: Accumulating debt from gambling can lead to significant financial stress, impacting mental well-being.
Sleep disruption: The stress and anxiety associated with gambling, or length of time spent participating in gambling activity, can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to fatigue.
Low self-esteem: Frequent losses and the stigma associated with gambling can damage a person’s self-esteem.
Risk of substance abuse: There is a higher risk of developing substance abuse problems as a way to cope with gambling-related stress.
Suicidal thoughts: Severe gambling problems can lead to suicidal ideation due to overwhelming feelings of despair and hopelessness.
Academic decline: The preoccupation with gambling can result in a decline in academic performance and course engagement.
Relationship strain: Gambling can strain relationships with partners, family, and friends, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Recognising when you or someone you know is experiencing gambling harms can be challenging, as the signs are often subtle and may be masked by other behaviours or life stressors. Changes in behaviour or mood might not immediately suggest that someone is experiencing gambling harm, but understanding potential warning signs can ensure that those who may be struggling are supported and can find help if they need it.
For further support on how to support a young person with their mental health, visit our Find Help page.
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Sam Starsmore is Programme Lead for Education at Ygam. Sam is a member of GambleAware’s Lived Experience Council and has recently been named as a finalist at the National INSIGHT Awards.
Dr Bush-Evans is a Lecturer in Psychology and a member of the Gambling Research Group at Bournemouth University. His work focuses on social psychological aspects of behaviour. He is currently researching how technology can help detect, predict, prevent, and intervene in harmful gambling behaviour.