National Women’s Health Week, which began on Mother’s Day and this year runs May 12-18, 2024, was officially established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 1999 to promote a better understanding of women’s health issues among women of all ages.[1] This is a great time to shine the light on how problem gambling impacts women, both as gamblers and as loved ones.

How are you today? Even asking this simple question can make a difference with health issues that may not be easily observable on the outside, such as problem gambling. By opening up a conversation that is a little deeper, it can become very healing for either person. Sometimes, we just need to speak our thoughts aloud and be heard. This is especially true if you have found yourself gambling more and more as an escape from negative emotions, work, children and family stress, and even financial stress. For some, gambling can progress from an escape from life stressors into an addiction.

Read the May Web Letter to learn how and why women can develop gambling problems and the resources available to Floridians through the 888-ADMIT-IT HelpLine for anyone impacted.

[1] “National Women’s Health Week.” Holiday Calendar – National Women’s Health Week, www.holidaycalendar.io/holiday/national-womens-health-week. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024