Depression and Poker.

Originally posted by holnrew
I'm starting to get a hold of tilts now...

First read through I misread this, I thought there probably weren't too many better ways of making yourself feel better... but even being married it isn't always easy to get hold of tilts so I was sure it was a misread...

GL fighting the good fight, 'cause feeling miserable and playing as an ATM at poker for a couple of days is a nasty combo. Knowing when to walk away, and stay away, from the computer is essential IMO. Know the signs and shut down ASAP because you don't need this kind of assistance reinforcing a negative self image.

Some good advice in this thread.

If you depression really is primarily a result of poker and you're not actually bringing to the table, (not that it matters too much either way) make sure your life is in order. You're staying active and social, eating and sleeping well, motivated and focused, working hard and staying disciplined. Easier said then done, but understanding more about how all these things work could help. My upcoming psych series will attempt to do just that.

Of course, something pretty basic but often pushed aside because of that maybe, is proper bankroll management. When you lose 5 buyins lets say, and you start to feel a little somber, ask yourself if your roll was actually 10x bigger then it is, would you care as much or would you just dust it off and enjoy your night regardless.

canadian winter = despresion = -even!

Originally posted by Somnius
Some good advice in this thread.

If you depression really is primarily a result of poker and you're not actually bringing to the table, (not that it matters too much either way) make sure your life is in order. You're staying active and social, eating and sleeping well, motivated and focused, working hard and staying disciplined. Easier said then done, but understanding more about how all these things work could help. My upcoming psych series will attempt to do just that.

Of course, something pretty basic but often pushed aside because of that maybe, is proper bankroll management. When you lose 5 buyins lets say, and you start to feel a little somber, ask yourself if your roll was actually 10x bigger then it is, would you care as much or would you just dust it off and enjoy your night regardless.

Good advice. I'm looking forward to that series.

Originally posted by Waiboy

Originally posted by holnrew
I'm starting to get a hold of tilts now...

First read through I misread this, I thought there probably weren't too many better ways of making yourself feel better... but even being married it isn't always easy to get hold of tilts so I was sure it was a misread...

GL fighting the good fight, 'cause feeling miserable and playing as an ATM at poker for a couple of days is a nasty combo. Knowing when to walk away, and stay away, from the computer is essential IMO. Know the signs and shut down ASAP because you don't need this kind of assistance reinforcing a negative self image.

This is solid advice.. Do not get married and you can get a hold of tilts!!

But seriously two things, and one of them is exactly what waiboy said. I have actually had to take breaks lasting
from a few days to a few months because of things keeping me from being in the optimal mindset to play.

I highly advise it. Any day spent playing during those breaks would have been -EV no matter what happened
to my BR at the end of said day. These were things outside of my control but relative to my overall time playing
poker the time off didn't matter because poker was waiting for me when I got back each time.

Secondly, one small silly thing but it can help alot, is to look at where you are now BR wise and if that is lower
than when you started for sure look at knowledge wise and see that you are much better off than before
regardless of what the cards just did to you at the table. In the long run your a winning player if your hanging
out on Poker Strategy and apllying the theory to your game.

Life is really getting in the way of poker at the moment, I just don't seem to care about losing the money... Me and my girlfriend need to find somewhere to live by the end of October and meanwhile it's just shit and stressful living with my mother.

I'm still going to keep playing with my starting capital, but I doubt I'll clear the points necessary in time, or get it back above $50. Also when I move I won't have a computer for a while, so I could use that time to study I guess, before I get a new monitor. But I'll just deposit my own money when I'm ready to start playing again. It can only be a good thing for my game in the long run.

Respect to you for starting this topic holnrew. There's some pretty solid advice so far, I'm pretty sure you're aware already that drinking/drugging + antidepressants is just going to cancel each other out at best or more likely make things much worse.

I suffered with depressive illness for around 10 years, took anti-depressants for ~8 of them and can still recognise part of that illness in my behaviour now. It wasn't until I stopped drinking and taking drugs that all of the other work I'd put in - regular exercise, eating better, good social circle, solid routine, started to really take effect.

1000 people could give you 1000 different solutions to your problems but I personally can't put enough emphasis on having a good daily routine, it can keep your mind focussed and balanced.

Good luck with getting through it, it can be a horribly long road but my guess would be that if you're able to openly talk about it and are already taking something for it than you're a good way down that road already.

Thank you, I'm glad I'm not the only one.

You are sure not the only one out there my friend

I have also struggeled with depressions for many years, and on and off still am to be honest. It may sound easy so just stay socialized and keep a good daily routine etc but it's pretty hard when you are in the state of mind that you don't care/are unable to do much about it.

If you ever wanna talk or want some tips or whatever, you can add me on skype: voenki

Keep your chin up ey and remeber that, somewhere out there... there is always other people having a worse day!

Originally posted by vonki
You are sure not the only one out there my friend

I have also struggeled with depressions for many years, and on and off still am to be honest. It may sound easy so just stay socialized and keep a good daily routine etc but it's pretty hard when you are in the state of mind that you don't care/are unable to do much about it.

If you ever wanna talk or want some tips or whatever, you can add me on skype: voenki

Keep your chin up ey and remeber that, somewhere out there... there is always other people having a worse day!

+ 1
Well done, well said

Don't you dare play a single hand when you feel like shit (doesn't matter the reason). Ever. Simple as that.

Poker is not a 9 to 5 job where you try to do almost nothing all day long and just want to get the money and go home. You really need to be concentrated!

What to do with your depression? That's your problem. Sport, eating right, stable relationship and some money is a good path. Faith in God is a huge bonus.

Originally posted by Lizocain
if ur depression is long term, i'm happy to see a proper answer, its just temporary, go and get drunk like fuck..seriously its one of the best ways to get out of the sadness ♦

Actually it's the worst you can do. Alcohol makes depression even worse and if you get drunk like fuck, you may do something you'll regret A LOT. (in fact alcohol makes all emotions deeper, i.e. if you're happy and get drunk, you'll feel even better and more confident) So in this case, alcohol doesnt really work. Weed does though. Just do whatever makes you feel good or happy. If you like watching tv, do it, if you like watching porn (and every poker player likes it ♦), do it, if you like playing some sport, just do it.
If it's long term depression, you might consider seing a psychiatrist.

Btw everytime i'm feeling bad i watch some movie or listen to music, it makes me feel better. But i'm not depressed too often.

I lost my BR yesterday, well more llike threw it away. I'm just going to focus on sorting my life out before I play again (Except for freerolls). I can't even concentrate enough to study the articles... But hopefully by christmas, I'll be sorted and up and running again.

Good luck with that mate. Fishes will be waiting for u

I've been using free bankroll bonuses on CelebPoker and Sky Poker. Sky Poker is more fishy than your mum's vagina. I started off with £2 yesterday and I'm up to £5.86 today, so all is not lost. Not doing so well on Celeb, but it's not time limited like Sky so it's not so pressing.

I'm just going to keep at it until I move at the end of October and then spend my time studying until I get a computer set up and then hopefully I'll have a nice wee bankroll to use.

don't play and instead if you want to still do something with poker read articles, watch videos read/post hands hand evaluation forum. Then when you have a good mindset again you have improved you're game in the meanwhile and thus you will see you profitability going up

never use drugs outside what doctors prescribe in order to fight off any problem that you think might help you deal with a black dog. It will never help you in poker.

I woulda listen to EagleStar88 if u were you,i totally agree with him,taking some time off poker could help A LOT,just some time then get back fresh

Without trying to sound too negative, I'm not certain that poker is really the sport for a person who has any sort of underlying mental health issue, regardless of whether or not they are on medication for it etc.

Poker generates enough of a "downer" without it being compounded ACTUALLY suffering from depression.

On a sidenote, I have a friend who suffers from ADHD, and although he is a really solid player in terms of his knowledge of the game and desire to improve, he seldom comes out a winner. He all too often becomes impatient and tilts very easily.

I don't think its unreasonable to say that some people just aren't suited to playing poker competitively. Recreationally is a different matter altogether, but I dont think BR grinding microstakes is recreational. Get a few beers on the go, and play some home games instead!

EDIT: Also, I remember a Holnrew from somewhere else in the past. I think it was a guitar forum, Possibly total guitar? Is this the same one?

Originally posted by holnrew
It's what Churchill referred to his depression as. As for songs called Black Dog, check out Nick Drake's.

I'm already on medication and all that, which nobody should be embarrassed to admit to. Thanks for the lovely response eaglestar.

Hmm, my advice would be to stay away from poker until you get better or are completely fine again... but thats just me. Playing poker with a peace of mind is much more pleasent... I honestly dont know how you do it, being depressed.

Are you doing any sports? Team sport? That would be very helpful... the running and joy of a sport you love itself sends so many endorphins into your brain that you wouldnt even need meds... of course Im not a doctor and I dont know if your depression is merely a neuro issue... however if it isnt just a neuro issue, get out there and play a sport.

Another thing is, when you are depressed, you cant have that much confidence/belief in yourself, can you? And you really need that to succeed in poker I find... so heal yourself and then get back to poker.