66. For Spouses: Feeling Grounded Again

Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems

After finding out that your spouse has a gambling problem or has had a relapse, it's understandable that you feel like your life has been turned upside down. You likely are feeling shock, anger and hurt because of the secrecy that typically comes with gambling problems. Stress and anxiety are also high because your financial security and trust with your spouse is on shaky ground.

In this episode, I'm joined by Neena Keram, a counsellor with Gambling Support BC who specializes in helping spouses, families and couples with gambling concerns. She tells us that discovering a spouse's gambling problem is a "betrayal trauma." She encourages spouses and family to get help for themselves - even if you think it's not your problem to fix. It helps to have space for you, to assist with making sense of it all and coping with the impacts.

This episode is geared to spouses and family members impacted by gambling issues, but is also helpful for those who gamble. Listening will help you to better understand what your loved ones are going through.

Listen now and learn about:

• Common reactions after learning a loved one has a gambling problem
• Why coping and moving on can feel so difficult
• How to feel grounded again - for your own benefit but also to move forward with addressing the gambling issue

If you would like to read a summary of the conversation, go to the blog for this episode at www.gamblingproblemhelp.ca

If you live in British Columbia and would like help for gambling concerns, reach out to our free, confidential counselling and outreach services. Connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia:

Canada: click here

United States: National Council on Problem Gambling

United Kingdom: GamCare

Australia: Gamblers' Help

If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country.

If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast. You can also reach out through [e-mail]. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.