I feel like my life is in a downward spiral?

Question

My ex-girlfriend left me 6 months ago and I have become really depressed. I am 23 years old and I am not happy anymore with the life that I am living. I am a compulsive gambler and I just don't know how to handle life's everyday events anymore.... Any advice?

Answer 1

Mike think positive, you are only 23 years old, you have a lifetime ahead of you, becoming depressed over a break up is very natural but, you must go on....gambling is not the answer to your problems, try to stay away from places that tempt you, get involved with something that brings you joy, may be as simple as hanging out with friends or family, just stop focusing on your girlfriend and gambling, who knows what the future may bring, just take it one day at a time, time does heal all wounds.I wish you Luck, peace and love, you WILL be okay, just remember that.

Answer 2

I just went thru the same thing. I had to go see a therapist, maybe u need to be put on an anti-depressant. A therapist can help you with your depression and gambling addiction. I wish you the best, just remember when you feel like you have hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up. In the mean time, try new activities to keep yourmind off of negative thoughts. Everytime you are tempted to go gambling, go see a movie, or go to a bookstore and read up on something your interested in. I sometimes go to Barnes & Nobles and sit for a couple hours and read magazines or interesting books, just to keep my mind off of things. Maybe you need new friends, try to surround urself around good people and stray from the negative. Also, maybe u want a new job, focus on taking a class, learn something new. The world can be a great place, dont let others drag u down. I know its easier said then done, but in time things do get better.

Answer 3

Dude

Life goes on...... if she had not left you when she did ... she would have left you eventually anyway... be glad she left you and gave that extra time to get over it.

I am not going to be the 'nice-nice guy" and tell you all the touchy feelie things that some might suggest in this PC world.

As soon as you read this, walk up to the mirror and take a good look at yourself. Unless I am mistaken you are a decent enough guy that has a fairly decent life. There are things missing, but we all have things missing somewhere/ somehow. Say to yourself "I don't need this crap anymore and I deserve better".

Examine what in your life is not working for you; girlfriend, job, flavor of coffee in the morning, whatever.

Determine ONE thing you want to change (start easy, with the flavor of coffee maybe)..... and then don't anything or anyone get in your way.... change it by the end of the week FOR GOOD.

Stop concentrating on everything and concentrate on one thing at a time for now.....

As Frederick the Great used to say "He who defends everything defends nothing", he who concentrates upon one thing at a time with all his resources is unstoppable.

Answer 4

I think there is a hope since you are aware of the problem. This is the first step to make things better. Usually, one problem drives another problem. To fix, just do the reverse. Try to solve the problem one at a time beginning with the most recent problem, and then work on the one before that... You will eventually see things getting better.

Answer 5

Gambler's Annoymous is a good support group. Sure a therapist can help but you need to be around people who understand your problem and are trying to deal with it like you. Looks like you are already coming to the conclusion you have a problem and that's the first step at getting help.

Answer 6

If you spend your life pursuing meaningless things, you are bound to get depressed as you realize that what you are doing is having little lasting value. Depression likes to keep company with trouble, sorrow, and shame. The Lord’s strong presence in our lives is the best cure for depression. But with the Lord’s help, we may also seek the best medical help and ask him to use it to heal us. The power of the Lord’s presence, coupled with the sensitivity of his listening ear, can bring healing and comfort. Those who work for their money will be financially independent, but those who gamble often end up in financial ruin. God warns us not to be greedy. Gambling is foolish because the money could have been put to good use. Here is a promise from God:
Matthew 11:28 . . . Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Seek help from a Christian Pastor or trusted friend and move on.

Answer 7

It sounds like you need to see a therapist. Sometimes life just gets overwhelming, and it is extremely helpful to enlist the help of a professional who can put things in perspective for you and put you on the right track to finding happiness in your life once again.