ONWA is pleased to announce its Problem Gambling Awareness campaign for this year, titled “Connecting Our Spirit to Stories and Knowledge Sharing.” The primary objective of this campaign is to elevate personal narratives and to emphasize the significance of storytelling as a means of connecting with cultural heritage and fostering mutual understanding. This initiative aims to enhance awareness, reduce stigma, promote healthy alternative activities and games, and identify resources available within Ontario.
Problem Gambling is an addiction, not a game. It is not done for entertainment or recreation. Problem gambling can overtake and damage one’s life. It is important to reflect on our medicine wheel teachings and balancing our four quadrants to have balance and wellness in our lives. The four quadrants are our physical, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing. If we notice we are lacking in areas, this serves as a good reminder to spend time taking care of those unmet needs. By making sure we have balance in each quadrant, we care for ourselves and ensure our needs are being met and living mino-bimaadiziwin.
Signs there may be a problem can include:
· Self-Neglect; change in eating and sleeping habits, mood swings
· Borrowing money from family and/or friends and not attempting and/or unable to pay it back
· Withdrawal from social activities and relationships
· Increase absences from work or school which is leading to poor performances
· Gambling to escape personal problems or to relieve feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, or loneliness
Responsible Gambling can be an exciting and entertaining activity for many people. They make careful decisions about spending their time and money, where to go and how to have fun.
How to gamble responsibly:
· Set a budget and stick to it
· Do not use cash machines to pull out more money, only use the cash you set aside.
· Do not “chase” losses. Accept it as the cost of entertainment.
· Balance gambling with other leisure activities.
· Take frequent breaks
· Set time limits
· Gamble for entertainment, not as a way to make money.
Activity to try:
Reconnect with the land and take a walk through the sugar bush by snowshoeing or by foot. March is the time when the maple sap begins to run for the sugar harvest. During this time, we are encouraged to balance our lives and reflect on the sweetness that flows through us by the words we speak, actions we take and the beliefs we hold. Walking in the bush can help us disconnect from the noise of the outside world, and reconnect with our thoughts, feelings, and self. As you walk, take some deep breaths and speak kind words to yourself. Bring asemaa for any offering you may make and enjoy your time outdoors.
Blue Ribbon Awareness Beading Pin Activity
Join us March 20 from 1:30pm – 3:30pm as Scott Simpson, a Wellness professional, shares his personal journey as he continues to inspire others who face similar challenges and promote health and wellness.
The first 100 people registered will receive a blue-ribbon pin beading kit that represents awareness from those impacted by Problem Gambling. We have also included a list of materials for those who do not have a kit.
Materials Needed:
• Thread
• Beading needles
• Light blue/blue beads
• Backing Material
• Pellon Fabric
• Awareness Ribbon outline on paper
If you’re concerned about your own, or loved one’s gambling you don’t have to face it alone. There is help and support available.
Resources available for help:
Connect with a gambling counsellor: A gambling counsellor can help you navigate this – no matter what stage you’re at.
Connex Ontario | Help Line: 1-866-531-2600
This helpline is a free and confidential service in Ontario and is available 24/7 with service in 170 languages. They can help by providing information about counselling services and support in your community. Booking your first appointment with a treatment provider. Listening, offering support, and providing strategies to help you meet your goals.
CAMH | www.camh.ca Toll-free: 1 800 463-2338
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world’s leading research centres in its field. CAMH is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto and is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Centre. They have resources to access and support is available.