GAMBLING SUPPORT SERVICES BC
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Rambling about Gambling

online gambling... only a click away

5/23/2021

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It's probably no surprise that online gaming and gambling has been on the rise, with all the lockdowns and uncertainty all around us. So it follows suit that the associated problems with online activity is also on the rise. 

When your time online begins to result in things like debt, relationship issues, work conflict or health concerns, there is free help available in BC. Free support from myself to get started (in Northern BC) and free counselling in person (where available), by video (if possible), or by phone.

We assist people struggling with gambling or gaming as well as those affected by someone else's online activity.  Call (leave a voicemail) or text with how and when to get back to you. I respond within 24 hours.  Or visit the website's online intake form to get started. 
online intake form
Call Brenda directly
More about free counselling
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My small ACTS of resistance

4/17/2021

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Lately I have been looking for ways to combat all the negativity, fear and sometimes hatred bombarding my news streams and social conversations. Everyday life and work stress is exemplified by COVID, regular ways of decompressing and restoring my balance has become a challenge like no other.  I was looking to find actions I could safely take to resist the fear mongering, as it was beginning to take a toll on my mental health.
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 Acts of Resistance include making meaningful connections with others who can share their hope for humanity or by helping others in small ways.  I like to hang out with caring, kind and non-judgemental people to soak up positive human vibes whenever I can.  Others attend church or join a dog walking club. Actively fighting back against the negativity and hopefully inspiring others to do the same helps us all to restore hope, reduce fear and restore our balance.  So in March, I found a group on Facebook, I liked their message and thought about helping out. Then an opportunity presented itself and the rest is in the pictures and article below:

​I was gifted a turkey from my Mom, so I cooked Turkey dinner for about 30 people living downtown Prince George and Gerry (below) said he would help distribute it to people.  
​Despite the time and energy spent over a couple of weekends, my house smelled amazing and my family and friends cheered me on (I don't actually cook much at all). It was a challenge, and when it was all over, I felt refreshed and rejuvinated, full of hope for humanity once again! 
​We, (my daughter and I) cooked in stages and ended up with a layered turkey dinner in a pan with gravy on the side to top it all off.  Wrapped in blankets, I delivered and helped serve.
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Keepin' it warm!

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​        ​​'Turkey Dinner in a Bowl' was a hit!
Thanks Gerry for creating a platform for people to come together to express their own small acts of resistance and to work together toward kindness and compassion for all people in our community. I had fun getting to know people and sharing food with them.​
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TOGETHER WE STAND!! founder Gerry Healy (right) and Dustin (left). Check out their story by clicking the links below. 
Link to CKPG news story/video
Together we stand facebook page
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Would you Recognize the signs of a gambling addiction?

2/13/2021

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​​When people think about the warning signs of addiction, they may not consider the class of Behavioural Addictions that similarily affect our brain. These addictive behaviours include online activity, sex, gaming or gambling.  In these cases, the 'substance' is the behaviour (gambling) that becomes the rewarding 'substance' to our brains. 

Jenn Gregg, (M.A., C.C.C.) ​from Groundwork Counselling states "Among the signs of gambling addiction are unexplained finances or debt; emotional volatility; being preoccupied; lying; distorted or irrational thinking that makes someone believe they can control or beat the system; and prioritizing gambling over relationships, career or personal health".  Read more about what Jenn has to say here: https://vancouversun.com/sponsored/life-sponsored/hidden-dependence-recognizing-the-signs-of-a-gambling-addiction

Learn more about Behavioural Addictions and the differences/similarities to substance addiction:  https://canadiancentreforaddictions.org/substance-behavioural-addiction/

For those of us living in BC:
If you or someone you know is affected by problem gambling, Reach Out Here and someone will connect with you within 24 hours: https://bit.ly/30IOCic 
Need to speak with someone immediately?  Call 1-888-795-6111. Calls are answered 24/7

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planning for 2021

1/9/2021

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Well, it's 2021... and things in the world look like they might actually get worse before they get better.  We have political stress, pandemic stress, financial/familial/vocational/relational stress. We are coping with stress we have often never encountered before! Things we couldn't imagine, such as job or home loss! Financial strain... the list goes on.
It's been almost a year now since we first began our isolation and I decided I needed to make a plan for 2021 so it doesn't swallow me up whole. So much of what is going on is out of our control and yet we have to make decisions everyday about how to maneuver through it and continue to care for ourselves and our families.
So I need a plan for 2021, but here it is the first week over and I am feeling the stress of having to make a plan! Returning to the basics of mental wellness and to take a bite from the Gambler's Anonymous pages my goal is to slow my world down and remember to remain in the present, to concentrate on moving through the day one step at a time. Finding a healthy balance with screen time for myself and my family is especially challenging when so much of our time is spent at home with limited 'others' to interact with. 
So for now, my small movements forward in the past few weeks have included the following: 
The Christmas theme in our house this year was "Things to do while stuck in the house for possibly long periods of time".  Our family has invested in comfy, reusable masks. I set limits for myself over watching the news as it negatively affects my mental health. I set screen time limits for my children so I don't have to hound them to shut it down. I limit my time on social media and concentrate on positive messaging only. I snooze and block friends regularly when our politics collide or the negativity takes over. When things are rough, I try to remember to eat and take in water everyday (and brush my teeth). One day, one step, one minute, and one thing at a time to keep moving forward. This is what will bring us through these difficult times. One. Step. At. A. Time.

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Anonymous help for online gambling

12/11/2020

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Anonymity is often an important consideration for people thinking about getting help for problem gambling.  The first place I think of when thinking of anonymity is Gambling Anonymous (GA). During the pandemic, GA began offering both phone and online (virtual) group meetings. Check out the GA site for more details about virtual and telephone meetings in your area.  To speak with someone NOW, call their 24/7 Toll Free Hotline at  1-(855)-222-5542.
GA Meetings
BC Gambling Support
The BC Responsible and Problem Gambling Program offers a support line (help line), where there is someone available 24/7 to take your call and refer you to someone like myself, to help navigate to the service that is right for you. What you might not know, is that most  services can be offered anonymously.  I can offer you information, guidance, support, and referrals without ever needing to know your name or personal details (including gambling behaviour).  Reach out now to be connected to Gambling Outreach Support and get started today.
BCLC GameSense used to be in our local casinos, community gaming centers and online, but since the closure of the casinos, their GameSense Advisors are busy interacting with people by phone and by online  chat. Now if you are looking to talk to someone about how gambling works, concepts like randomness, odds, luck or how to avoid getting into trouble with gambling, then GameSense has a great, interactive site to visit.   GSA's can also refer directly to BC Gambling Support (someone like me).  Visit their site to learn more.
GamTalk
Gamtalk is an online platform I have mentioned before. The anonymous online recovery chat, as well as the stories and experiences shared by others can provide a safe, supportive community who understands gambling addiction and gambling addiction recovery.  Learn how others are coping with their addiction, triggers and cravings. Share your story with others and see that you are not alone with your problems with gambling.  Check out their site to learn more .
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Online Help for online gamblers

11/28/2020

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What with everyone staying at home and isolating, this week I want to highlight GamTalk as a great place to go if you are worried about your gambling or that of someone you know.  Learn from others who struggle with problem gambling, gambling addiction, cravings or triggers, quitting gambling and so much more!  You can peek around the Gamtalk site without joining or to gain the full experience, sign up and be completely anonymous. 

Once in the site, you can remain quiet and just soak up other people’s experience or you can share your own story, ask questions and maybe join in a recovery focused chat room.  You can be an active or passive participant and still benefit from this site… and for those affected others, there is some great support and information at GamTalk.
                                                            Check it all out here!
GamTalk
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Free Online Gambling Support Services in BC

11/20/2020

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COVID-19 numbers are climbing, new BC restrictions have been mandated, an uncertainty about Christmas and what next year will hold... all stressful and uncomfortable things for us to manage.  We know that isolation without meaningful activity and connection with others can very quickly lead to feelings of loneliness, depression and hopelessness.  People are naturally spending more time online to cope and online gambling and gaming has exploded.  While online activity can distract us from our stress, be fun and even interactive, it can also be time and energy consuming and EXPENSIVE!  

BC Gambling Support Services - available online, by phone and yes, sometimes still in person!!  Anyone living in BC, affected by the harms associated with problem gambling, is able to receive free support services, funded by the BC Responsible and Problem Gambling (BC RPGP). 

A little bit about those of us providing the Gambling Support Services and how it all works...
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When you call the BC RPGP helpline @ 1-888-795-8111, (and you live in my region), your information is directed to me to help you get started! I am contracted by the BC RPGP to provide or direct people to the specific helping resource they may need.  For instance, some people need to sort out financial or relationship messes before thinking about starting counselling. Others just want to learn more about how to better manage their gambling behaviour.  I mostly connect with people by phone but am available to meet virtually as well as in person (location and COVID-19 permitting).  

The program also offers free counselling to anyone who experiences harms from gambling. Registered Clinical Counsellors across BC offer specialized counselling services by phone, virtually and in person (in some areas and COVID-19 permitting).  Darryl Anderson provides counselling to people in Williams Lake, Quesnel, Prince George, and surrounding areas. 

In addition to helping those experiencing harms from gambling, the BCRPGP contracts with Prevention and Community Engagement specialists. Debbie Scallion is our Prevention and Community Engagement Specialist for Williams Lake, Quesnel and Prince George (and surrounding areas).  She is working in creative ways to engage communities, both in person and with online events.  Connect with her for more information.   
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The Indigenous Counselling and Prevention Streams, include Registered Clinical Indigenous counsellors and Education and Community Engagement Specialists and Gambling Outreach Support, who provide their services through an Indigenous lens.  Theses services are available to anyone who resides in BC, despite ethnicity.
BCRPGP Website
Connect with Brenda
Connect with Counsellor
Connect with Debbie
Indigenous Services
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    Brenda

    Born and raised in Prince George, BC, I am a dedicated helper with a keen interest in gambling and gaming behaviour.  I have a Master's of Social Work and also work as a Medical Social Worker with Northern Health.
    ​No prior blogging experience so here's to new learning!!

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  • Home
  • When Gambling Isn't Fun
    • Gambling Counseling Services
    • Resources and Links
  • Health promotion & education
    • Rambling about Gambling
  • About Me
    • Contact Brenda