I lost everything gambling. What now?

If you are in this place right now, read this slowly. It is a heavy night and it is survivable. If you are thinking about ending your life, call or text 988 (US and Canada) or your local emergency number now. A person will answer.

Tonight

• Stop betting. The urge to win it back is the most dangerous one. Nothing you bet tonight fixes this.
• Do not move money or take loans tonight. Quick fixes cost more than the problem.
• Tell one person. The weight is much worse alone. You do not need a plan, you need someone to know.
• Call a helpline. 1-800-GAMBLER in the US is free and open all hours. They have heard this before and they do not judge.

This week

1. Lock yourself out of every book so it cannot get worse.
2. Make a list of what you owe and to whom. Writing it down shrinks it.
3. Call your bank or lender before a payment is missed. Asking early helps more than hiding.
4. Free debt and gambling counselling exists in most countries. The helplines below can point you to it.

What people say later

That the worst moment was the secret, not the number. The number can be worked on, with help, one step at a time. Telling someone is the first step of working on it.