Poker Players Share Strategies for Coping with Downswings and Mental Health

Poker players often experience stress from downswings, loneliness, and the grind of the game. Common coping mechanisms include increasing game volume, distraction, false positivity, and substance use, which can exacerbate problems. Professionals like Dr. John Grace, Katherine Jaffe, and Elliot Roe advise against these methods.

Depression symptoms in poker players include sadness, low energy, negative thoughts, sleep disturbances, suicidal thoughts, guilt, loss of interest, changes in eating habits, and reduced concentration. Treatment for depression can include medication, talk therapy, and group therapy.

Ryan 'Beriuzy' Shamash, a professional poker player, deals with stress by dissociating from emotions. Elliot Roe, author of A-Game Poker, advises players to focus on playing well rather than results.