As people face gambling problems, it's common to feel low, stressed and anxious. You may feel relief from opening up about this issue but find that feelings of shame and guilt are hard to shake. As you return to activities that used to be enjoyable, or do things to help yourself feel better, it feels flat.

In this episode of Fold em, our brain experts return to help us make sense of this. Deirdre Querney, MSW and Dr. Iris Balodis from Brain Connections explain:

• why gambling problems pull down your mood
• what you can do to feel better (maybe even feeling better than before you started gambling)
• how spouses and family members can help if a loved one is struggling with depression, anxiety and/or suicidal thoughts as they face gambling problems
• where to turn for 24/7 help for gambling problems, depression and/or suicidal thoughts

For more information on the brain, gambling problems, and your mood, read the blog for this episode at Gamblingproblemhelp.ca and visit BrainConnections.ca.

If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111.

For immediate 24/7 support, especially if you are in crisis, contact:

• The Gambling Support Line (British Columbia) 1-888-795-6111
• Talk Suicide Canada 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
• Wellness Together Canada
• 988 Lifeline (United States) call or text 988
• If you live outside of Canada and the United States, search for "gambling problem help" or "crisis support" in your country

For a list of free gambling help services in Canada, click here. To access free help in the United States, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast. We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.

Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.