Tag: #MentalHealth

Summer break can bring fun, freedom, and a welcome change of pace for young people. But with more unstructured time, greater screen use, and fewer daily routines, summer can also increase the risk of problem gambling for youth and teens in Florida. It is important for parents, caregivers, educators, and community members to understand how…
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July’s Disability Pride Month is an important time to honor the experiences, strengths, and rights of people with disabilities. It is also a time to recognize that disability can intersect with mental health challenges and increase vulnerability to gambling-related harm. [1] At FCCG, we believe prevention and recovery work best when support is inclusive, accessible,…
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Each May, National Mental Health Awareness Month invites us to take a closer look at the many ways mental health shapes our lives. While conversations often focus on depression, anxiety, and substance use, one issue is frequently overlooked: problem gambling. Too often, gambling is seen as a financial issue—something that only becomes serious when money…
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Black History Month provides an important opportunity to honor the contributions and resilience of African Americans in healthcare, behavioral health, and public health, while also acknowledging the historical and ongoing inequities that affect health outcomes. In addiction and problem gambling prevention, this observance highlights the need for culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and equitable approaches to care.…
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If you have begun recovery from gambling, or are considering taking your first step towards a life without gambling, understanding what a relapse prevention plan is – and how to use it – can be a powerful tool. It helps support both you and those around you by recognizing early warning signs that you may…
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The idea of making New Year’s resolutions goes back more than 4,000 years to the ancient Babylonians. During a 12‑day festival called Akitu, which marked their new year in mid‑March, they pledged to their gods that they would repay debts and return borrowed goods. Keeping these promises was believed to bring favor; breaking them risked…
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Life can get busy with work, family, and everyday responsibilities, but for those who feel lonely or down, each day can feel like an eternity—especially for individuals struggling with problem gambling, substance use, depression, or other behavioral challenges. At the Florida Council on Problem Gambling (FCCG), our goal is to educate the public and raise…
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The holidays are here again, and for problem gamblers, this season can bring added stress—especially when money is already tight for food, family, and gifts. With the rising cost of everything from groceries to gas, it’s even more challenging to make ends meet. Each December, we join the Gift Responsibly Campaign to raise awareness about…
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National Depression and Mental Health Awareness and Screening Month is recognized every October. The event raises awareness about depression, encourage screening for signs and symptoms, and connect individuals with support for mental health challenges – including disordered gambling and substance use. It’s a reminder that help is available, and that recognizing the need for support…
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Many people who gamble casually for entertainment may not realize the serious consequences faced by those suffering from disordered gambling. Beyond financial struggles, strained relationships, and career setbacks, problem gambling can also take a toll on physical, psychological, and emotional health. Issues such as chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and heart problems are common, highlighting that…
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