July is BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Mental Health Month. It is a time to recognize the strengths of BIPOC communities and raise awareness about mental health. It is also an opportunity for young adults and families to learn about the connection between mental health and gambling harm.
Whether you are a young adult navigating school, work, finances, and relationships, or a parent supporting a loved one, understanding this connection can help promote healthier choices and stronger support systems.
Understanding the Connection
Everyone experiences stress. Young adults often face pressures related to education, employment, finances, and future goals. Many BIPOC communities also experience challenges such as discrimination, financial hardship, and barriers to healthcare. These factors can affect mental well-being and increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related stress.
When people feel overwhelmed, they sometimes look for ways to cope. Some may turn to gambling as a temporary escape from stress, loneliness, or financial worries. At first, gambling may seem harmless. Over time, however, it can create additional problems.
Financial losses, relationship conflicts, and emotional distress can make mental health challenges worse. What begins as a way to cope can eventually create even more stress.
Why Awareness Matters
Problem gambling is often called the “hidden addiction” because its warning signs can be difficult to recognize. Many people hide their gambling behavior because they feel embarrassed or ashamed. As a result, problems can grow before others realize help is needed.
For young adults, awareness is one of the best prevention tools. Understanding the risks of gambling can help you make informed decisions and recognize when a friend may need support.
For parents, awareness creates opportunities for meaningful conversations. Talking openly about mental health, stress, and healthy coping skills can help young people feel supported and understood.
Building Support and Resilience
Strong support systems can help prevent gambling-related harm.
Young adults benefit from healthy connections with family members, friends, mentors, coaches, and community organizations. These relationships provide encouragement, guidance, and a sense of belonging.
Parents can support mental wellness by listening without judgment, encouraging open communication, and helping young people access resources when needed.
Communities also play an important role. Culturally responsive services can help individuals feel respected, understood, and supported. When support reflects a person’s culture, language, and lived experiences, it may feel easier to seek help.
Hope and Help
Mental health challenges and gambling-related harm do not define a person. Help is available, and recovery is possible.
By talking openly about mental health, reducing stigma, and encouraging healthy coping strategies, we can strengthen individuals, families, and communities. Every conversation matters, and every act of support can make a difference.
If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.
Learn more about gambling harms. Visit the NYCPG Training Center to view upcoming trainings as well as a list of self-paced trainings available to all.