National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month —Free & Local Resources Available Across Ohio
Published: October 3, 2022
One of the early warning signs of problem gambling is depression and with October being National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month now is the perfect time to remember resources that are available for people who might struggle with their mental health or who are at risk for problem gambling.
The aim of National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month is to raise awareness about depression and mental health among prevention professionals and the public. Each of these resources can be used to help improve your mental health regardless of the field you work in, where you are in life, or where you live.
Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-589-9966
Ohio’s Problem Gambling Helpline provides free and confidential support to people who might be struggling with problem gambling, or who are worried about the gambling habits of a loved one. It is staffed 24/7 with trained and non-judgmental professionals who are always available. If you need help, make the call today at 1-800-589-9966 or text 4HOPE to 741741.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a new version of National Suicide Prevention Lifeline that debuted in summer 2022. The new 988 number is easier to remember and use. When you call, you will be routed to trained call takers in your local area of Ohio, who offer free and confidential support 24/7 for those that are in crisis. To learn more about the lifeline and access resources for mental health, visit 988lifeline.org.
Ohio Problem Gambling Online Resource Directory
Are you looking for professional problem gambling counseling or peer support in your part of Ohio, but are not sure where to start? The Ohio Problem Gambling Online Resource Directory can help. With comprehensive listings of available resources and the ability to search by zip code, you can easily find assistance close to your home. Check out the directory at gamblinghelpohio.org.
Before You Bet Quiz
It can often be difficult to gauge whether you’re at risk for a problem with gambling. And with more forms of gambling coming to Ohio in 2023, a larger group of people could potentially have a problem without realizing it. That’s why Before You Bet has created a useful quiz that can help. Though it is not a substitute for an opinion by a medical professional, the two-minute quiz can help you gauge whether you might be at risk for problem gambling. Take the quiz today.
Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program
If you are in recovery for problem gambling or want to take steps to eliminate your risk entirely, Ohio offers a voluntary exclusion program that can help keep you accountable. Participants in the voluntary program can ban themselves from casinos for one year, five years, or life. If you put your name on the voluntary exclusion list, casinos are not allowed to let you in, send marketing materials to you, offer you credit, or cash your checks. The program is run by the Ohio Casino Control Commission and all personal information is kept confidential. To find out more about the program, visit casinocontrol.ohio.gov or call 614-387-5854.
To find out more about problem gambling and educate yourself on responsible gambling, check out the Before You Bet tips and education page. There, you can find tips to help you keep your gambling responsible and education on the common signs of problem gambling.