Tournament venues may be crowded, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel isolated.Click here for a guide to taking care of your mental health
Life on the poker circuit can be familiar, exhilarating, and exhilarating. But it can also be lonely, daunting, and exhausting. It may seem like no one can feel lonely in a room with over 1,000 people, but absolutely anyone can suffer from poor mental health, and it’s possible to feel dangerously isolated. You may feel it.
Before any PokerStars staff member leaves for the European Poker Tour (EPT) or any other tour, they all receive a Mental Health Toolkit and Event Health Information Pack prepared by Flutter HQ. (Flutter is the parent company of PokerStars.)
These packs encourage employees to not only protect their own health, but also to check in on their colleagues, especially if they notice a change in behavior.
As the long journey to EPT Paris draws to a close, the advice contained in these documents is perhaps more important than ever. And of course, it’s relevant to everyone, not just those of us who wear STAFF hoodies.
Poker players are probably especially susceptible to poor mental health. On top of all the other stresses and strains of a regular job, the financial demands of poker can be particularly volatile.
It’s not always easy to know what’s going on inside a poker player’s head
And for someone in the midst of a downswing, it can sometimes be difficult to be in a room with ticker tape falling from the sky celebrating someone else’s incredible success.
With all this in mind, here are some of the advice from these health packs. This is definitely worth sharing widely. A lot of it is simple common sense, but it’s always important to check your circle of friends, and sometimes your acquaintances, to make sure things are going well.
If not, there are plenty of resources you can always turn to in any country in the world. See the information below.
signs of concern
It’s not always obvious if someone is experiencing a mental health issue, especially in an environment where bravado is rampant. However, there are some potential signs that someone may not be operating at his 100%.
None of these definitely mean the person is unwell, but they are just some signs that suggest it’s worth chatting with.
- decreased concentration
- find it difficult to control emotions
- lack of motivation
- easily distracted
- find it difficult to make decisions
- Feeling tired and lacking in energy
- worry more
- feeling overwhelmed by things
- low mood
- more or less asleep
- tearful
- Reduce conversation and avoid social activities
- irritability and short temper
- Unbelievable mistake
- decreased concentration
- Feeling less interested in daily activities
- Talk more, talk very quickly, and jump between topics and ideas
conversation
It’s not always easy to start a conversation about personal matters. But it’s often very valuable. According to the experts behind the Wellbeing Pack:
“It can seem daunting to talk about mental health, but we’ve all talked to people about bereavement, break-ups, and other life events. They aren’t always easy to talk about. It doesn’t start, but it often means a lot to people who are going through difficult times.
“It all starts with asking how the other person is doing in a warm and sincere way, giving them a chance to see that you are genuine and friendly.”
Conversations with friends go a long way in helping anyone
time
Finding time to chat can be difficult. A poker player’s schedule is usually determined by the tournament clock, but even the busiest tournaments provide players with regular breaks.
Players often stay in the same hotels as each other, so you may have the opportunity to spend time together at breakfast or at the bar. According to Welfare Pack, it’s important to have enough time to provide support to your friend.
“Find a time where you can speak freely for at least 10 minutes,” the advice says. “It’s really important to focus all your attention on the person you’re communicating with, which means minimizing disruptions like the phone ringing or notifications popping up.”
question
The following questions can help you start a conversation about mental health:
- “Can you tell me what’s going on?”
- “It seems like you haven’t been able to concentrate lately. Do you want to talk about it?”
- “What do you need from me? May I help you?”
- “How are you? You don’t seem like yourself.”
- “Do we need to talk?”
- “Can you tell me what it’s like to live with your illness?”
- “What is your diagnosis and what do you think about it?”
- “I’m quiet, are you okay?”
Poker offers glitz and glamour, but it can also be exhausting and lonely
active listening
It is important to pay close attention to them and listen to what they have to say. Here are some tips:
- Make eye contact if the other person is comfortable.
- Acknowledge by nodding, gesticulating, or restating important points.
- Don’t be pushy and ask the right questions.
- Don’t pressure them to say more than they can share.
- Summarize the discussion and follow through on your commitments.
- Have helpful resources available.
manage your emotions
It can be difficult to hear something difficult or upsetting, but remember:
- rest assured. Don’t judge or pretend to be surprised.
- Conversations will be respectful and confidential.
- Ask about their goals before suggesting a solution.
- Keep accepting suggestions or just vent.
- Set boundaries to protect yourself. You are not a trained counselor.take care of your own health
Mental health first aid in different cultures
One of the best things about the European Poker Tour (EPT) is the way it brings people from all over the world together thanks to a common passion. Players form friendships with people from different countries and cultures, many of which last forever.
However, mental health and well-being are viewed very differently around the world.
And this means some people may not feel comfortable sharing their experiences or asking for or offering support.
When speaking to others, it is important to consider the following:
- Remember that how we view mental health is culturally determined.
- Recognize that beliefs about mental health vary and may differ from yours.
Own - Be aware of what may be considered taboo to avoid creating shame
- Approach their experiences with empathy, compassion, and patience.
- Respect other cultures by using appropriate language and behavior
Consider signing up for free out-of-the-ordinary activities.
support service
Here are some places you can call if you or someone else needs support.
calm zone
0800 58 58 58
5pm to midnight (UK time)
365 days a year
The website contains links to international mental health charities around the world.
crisis text line
US Text 741741
CA Text 741741
British text 85258
ireland text 50808
Connect with a volunteer crisis counselor
Befrienders around the world
Further suggestions
Sometimes change is just as good as rest, so be sure to check out the variety of off-the-table activities EPT offers for players and guests. Just getting out of the poker room and doing something else can be very useful. There’s always plenty at the EPT Travel Information Desk.
We also previously published a very helpful guide to yoga for poker players. Keeping your body healthy also helps your mind.
And if you have any questions, ask someone in an EPT STAFF hoodie. We have trained first aiders and mental health professionals on-site to respond to anything.
EPT event staff is always available to resolve any issues.
Learn more about EPT
EPT official website
EPT Paris Press Hub
Return to top
