Hello Kensakus.
You have taken a big step writing on this Forum and I hope you will soon find that other people will share their stories with you, as you request. I am a volunteer member of the Gambling Therapy Team. I have never been a gambler, but my son is a compulsive gambler and I have learned a lot through trying to understand the effects of this. I have talked with other family members and also gamblers, working to live in recovery. I am also a qualified therapist.
I can see from your post that you have had a stressful working life and then gambling caused more stress and problems for you, in terms of your career and your personal life and health. But it also looks like you have got some support in place and barriers to ensure that you cannot easily return to gambling. I hope these measures help you feel a bit safer and able to work on a sustained recovery.
Many people on this site find it very supportive to write regularly about their struggles, their progress and also their ‘failures’. You may also find it useful to have a real-time conversation with someone on the Helpline and in the Support Groups. If you click on Support Groups at the top of this page, you will find all the times and types of groups are listed. You then need to check what is the equivalent time in your country to make sure you can join in at the right time.
I wish you well on this part of your journey.
Monique