Exploring the Correlation Between Suicide and Gambling Disorders
Published: September 9, 2024
With the rapid expansion of sports betting and the increase in gambling disorders across the United States, there’s a lot that experts are still trying to learn about the connections with other mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
With this week recognized as Suicide Prevention Week, Pause Before You Play is taking time to explain more about this connection, the signs to look for, and how you can make a difference in your or someone else’s life.
In Ohio, about 32 percent of people experiencing a gambling disorder consider suicide. A National Library of Medicine report also found that “eight studies from the USA reported that those with [a gambling disorder] had the highest suicide rate of any addiction disorder with one in five [gambling disorder] patients having attempted suicide.”
Why is there such a strong link between the two? While it is still being studied, most experts agree that it can be attributed to the distress and stigma that comes with a gambling disorder. Additionally, people who experience a gambling disorder also experience an increased chance of risk-taking behavior, which coincides with a high rate of suicidal ideation.
For many who contemplate suicide, as debt surmounts, their relationships struggle, or they face a particularly hard loss, they feel overwhelmed and cannot see another solution.
According to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, certain signs can indicate someone is at risk for suicide, particularly if the signs are new, worsening, or seem related to difficult life events or loss. These are some key warning signs people may show:
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 is available 24/7 via call, text, or online chat to provide prevention and crisis resources for you and your loved ones.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a gambling disorder or questioning their gambling, don’t hesitate to call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966. Trained and understanding specialists are standing by to offer free, non-judgmental, confidential support, 24/7.