Lost 20K at age 22. What lessons need to be learnt…

Check this Reddit thread out:

I lost 20k today, the day before I was winning, I got to greedy, lesson learned.

Im 22 and make an okay wage, but I’m in grief rn, never thought this would happen to me. Any advice to go over this?

Why Do People Keep Gambling Even When They Might Lose?

Sometimes, people gamble because it feels like a fun game. Imagine you’re playing with a toy that sometimes gives you candy. You win some candy, and it’s exciting! So, you keep playing, hoping for more. Here’s why people do this:

1. It Feels Super Exciting: Winning feels like getting a big prize, and your brain loves that happy feeling. Even when you lose, you think, “Maybe next time I’ll win again!” It’s like chasing a shiny toy.
2. Thinking You’re Super Lucky: Sometimes, when you win once, you feel like you’re the best at the game. It’s like thinking you’ll always hit the target in a dart game, so you keep throwing darts.
3. Wanting More and More: When you get some money, you might think, “If I play more, I’ll get even MORE money!” It’s like wanting a bigger pile of candy, even when you already have some.

Why Does This Happen Deep Down in Our Minds?

Your brain can trick you sometimes, like a sneaky friend who makes you think something’s a good idea when it’s not. Here are some reasons why your brain might push you to gamble too much:

1. Chasing the Happy Feeling: Your brain loves feeling happy, like when you eat your favorite ice cream. Winning gives you that happy feeling, so your brain says, “Do it again!” even if it’s risky.
2. Not Wanting to Feel Bad: Losing feels yucky, like dropping your ice cream on the ground. To stop feeling bad, you might gamble again, hoping to win and feel better.
3. Feeling Like You’re in Control: Sometimes, your brain tricks you into thinking you can control the game, like believing you can always pick the winning card. But gambling is mostly luck, not skill.
4. Running Away from Problems: If you’re sad or stressed, gambling can feel like a way to forget those feelings, like hiding under a blanket. But it doesn’t fix the real problem.

What Can You Do to Feel Better?

You’re feeling sad right now, and that’s okay—it’s like when you fall and scrape your knee. Here’s how you can start to feel better:

1. Take a Break: Stop playing the gambling game for a while. It’s like putting a toy away when it’s making you upset. Tell yourself, “I’ll rest and think about something else.”
2. Talk to Someone You Trust: Share your feelings with a friend or family member, like telling your mom when you’re scared. They can give you a hug and help you feel less alone.
3. Make a Money Plan: Think of your money like a box of crayons—you don’t want to use them all up at once. Write down how much you earn and spend, and save some for fun things later.
4. Do Fun Things Instead: Find other games or activities that make you happy, like playing soccer, drawing, or watching a funny movie. These don’t cost money and still feel good.
5. Ask for Help if It’s Hard: If you can’t stop thinking about gambling, talk to a grown-up who knows about this, like a counselor. They’re like a teacher who helps you solve a tricky puzzle.

How Can You Help Your Family and Friends Stay Away from Gambling?

You can be a superhero for your family and friends by helping them avoid the same mistake. Here’s how you can help, like sharing your toys to make others happy:

1. Tell Your Story: Share what happened to you, like telling a story about a time you got in trouble. Say, “I lost money because I got too excited. I don’t want you to feel sad like I did.”
2. Make a Fun Club: Start a group with your friends or family where you do cool things together, like playing games, watching cricket, or cooking. It’s like making a team that has fun without gambling.
3. Teach About Money: Talk to younger kids or friends about saving money, like teaching them how to keep their candy instead of eating it all at once. Show them how to save for something special.
4. Help Your Community: Join a group that teaches people about being smart with money, like a school club or a community center. You can share posters or talk about why gambling can be risky, like warning people not to touch a hot stove.
5. Be a Good Example: Show everyone you’re having fun without gambling. It’s like being the kid who shares their toys and makes everyone want to play nicely too.

Steps to Take Right Now

Here’s a simple plan to help you feel better and stop gambling from being a problem:

1. Say “No More” for Now: Promise yourself you won’t gamble for a while, like deciding not to eat candy for a week. Write it down to make it feel real.
2. Hide the Game: If you use apps or websites for gambling, delete them from your phone, like putting a toy in a box you can’t open easily.
3. Find a Buddy: Ask a friend or family member to check in with you, like a teammate who makes sure you’re okay during a game.
4. Learn Something New: Try a new hobby, like learning to cook or playing a sport. It’s like finding a new favorite game that’s safe and fun.
5. Check Out Help Online: Look at websites like GamCare (www.gamcare.org.uk) or call a helpline if you’re in the UK (0808 8020 133). They’re like friendly grown-ups who know how to help.

A Little Encouragement

You’re only 22, and you’re already learning a big lesson, which makes you super smart! It’s like falling off a bike but getting back up to ride again. You’re not alone, and you can get through this. By sharing your story and helping others, you’re being a hero for your friends and family. Keep being strong, and try fun things that make you smile without costing money.