Gambling and co-occurring mental health

Gambling harm often occurs alongside depression, anxiety or trauma, and treating both together works best.

2 min read · Awareness resource · Reviewed 2026-09-15

Many members who struggle with gambling are also carrying something else - low mood, anxiety, unresolved trauma, or the strain of another addiction. You are not weak or broken for finding yourself in this position, and support is available for the whole picture, not just the betting.

What it is

"Co-occurring" simply means two things are happening at the same time and feeding into each other. A person may gamble to escape anxious thoughts, numb grief, or lift a low mood, and the relief is real but short-lived. Over time, the losses, debt and secrecy that often come with problem gambling can then deepen depression or anxiety, creating a cycle that is hard to break alone. Research consistently shows that problem gambling rarely exists in isolation - it commonly travels alongside mood disorders, anxiety, substance use, and sometimes past trauma.

Signs to notice

Gambling mainly to relieve stress, sadness, boredom or anxious energy, rather than for enjoyment
Mood swings that track closely with wins and losses
Withdrawing from family, friends or colleagues to hide gambling or avoid questions
Using alcohol or other substances alongside gambling sessions
Growing hopelessness, irritability or sleep problems
Thoughts that things would be easier if you were not around, especially after big losses

What helps

Speak to a professional who can look at the gambling and your mental health together, rather than treating them as separate problems
Keep a simple daily note of mood and gambling urges - patterns often reveal the real trigger, such as loneliness or work stress
Build in non-negotiable breaks between the urge to gamble and acting on it, even five or ten minutes helps the urge pass
Tell one trusted person what is going on. Isolation makes both gambling and low mood worse
Look after the basics - sleep, meals and movement - which steady mood and reduce impulsive urges
Set financial safeguards, such as self-exclusion through the National Responsible Gambling Programme, to reduce access during vulnerable moments

When to reach out for help

Reach out for professional support if gambling and low mood are feeding each other, if you have tried to cut back and cannot, if debt or secrecy is affecting your relationships or work, or if you ever have thoughts of harming yourself. These are signs that a trained counsellor, not willpower alone, is what is needed now.

Getting help in South Africa

Cleared Mind's EAP counsellors can support you confidentially with both the gambling and the mental health side, at no cost to you as a member. The National Responsible Gambling Programme offers free counselling and self-exclusion on 0800 006 008. SADAG's Mental Health Line is available on 011 234 4837 for further support and referrals.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, reach out now. SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline (24h): 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393. SAPS 10111, ambulance 10177, GBV Command Centre 0800 428 428.