How do I support someone who is affected by someone else’s gambling harm?
Ask about their wellbeing and how they are feeling before inquiring about how the person experiencing gambling harm is. People who are affected by someone else’s gambling could have spent extensive time supporting the person experiencing gambling harm and you, firstly, want to validate their feelings and check in on their welfare.
Motivate them to encourage the person they are supporting to reach out for specialised and relevant support. You could look at the Support Pathway and signposting together so that they know what options are available. They may be able to determine what support services would work best for the person who is experiencing gambling harm, but ultimately the decision to seek support sits with the person experiencing harm.
Some people do not know that they are affected by someone else gambling until the person experiencing gambling harm has reached the peak of their harm.
5 things to share with someone who is an affected other
- Think about your own mental and physical health
- Seek support for specialised support services
- Consider using gambling blocking software on your devices
- Communicate your feelings
- Consider your own financial wellbeing