I´m a psychiatrist, therapist and former high stakes player AMA

What do you think the prevalence of using poker as an escapist "out" from more traditional life paths, and also even from oneself is?

How can i manage my anger issues? Some random people suggest a psychiatrist will help and might prescribe medication

some poker backstory?

Do you think being a professional poker player is a viable occupation long term? Or do you think it is better for almost everyone to use it as a gateway career into a more stable profession (or more lucrative)?

Poker can be an escape mechanism for sure. It is easy to occupy your mind with the game and distract yourself from problems irl. This is also no necessary a bad thing, it can be healthy in limited amounts. It obviously becomes a problem when it takes overhand and hinders you from dealing with issues irl making things worse. I can't give any prevalence assumptions though, the concept is too vague

There are anger issues and anger issues. If it's that much of a problem that you can't handle impulsive violence some medication may help. But first choice is psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, where you take concrete situations, analyze what's going on there, what's and why causing anger, what are your alternatives yo act in a different way. Every action has positive and negative consequences. This kind of situation analysis helps you to become aware of them. And then there are techniques for strengthening rational thinking under pressure and suppress irrational impulsive behavior like meditation, breathing and cognitive techniques.

I started playing 2005 or so with 18, grinded my way up from nl5 to nl2k, also had some major mtt cashes online and live. Then it got kind of boring, it may sound clichèd but I wanted to do something more meaningful and pursued a medical career. A decision I can live well with as of now. Last time I played poker seriously is more than 10 years ago, otherwise just for fun.

It sure can be a serious longerm occupation, but one has to be a very specific kind of person to be able to successfully deal with grind over decades. But basically every job as valued as it may be can become a grind you struggle with over time. In poker as in life you need to balance your job, health, relations and social life. I am still struggling to find the balance myself.

A different aspect is that, if you've got the skills and mindset to make a living as a poker pro, you're likely to be of high value on the job market and might find a well-paid position in an other industry which would offer more security and higher social acceptance, so there is this aspect of opportunity costs.

It being a good thing in limited amounts is not really something I had considered. Probably because when it's out of balance it's usually way, way out of balance. But that point is definitely a good one.

Imagine you experience severe trauma. Talking hardcore life-threatening events. Something too much to bear. To keep sanity under these conditions, people dissociate, the mind escapes somewhere else. As it is crucial for acute survival, this learned coping mechanism becomes a real problem longtime, when the person starts to dissociate facing everyday problems.

Now, this is an extreme case. But escapism behavior is kind of the same. When the routine becomes too much, it is good to have a little of an escape, a valve. But if escaping becomes the usual response to any problem, it is detrimental.

Just out of curiosity are you sometimes known as "Doctor David"?

Of course. But the problem with poker as escape is often so dramatic -- and really so central to the person's existence, and like a global medication in their consciousness -- that the occasional rec player doesn't even register on the same scale.

No 😃

A few years ago there was a pod cast called "Solicited Advice" featuring a psychiatrist named "Doctor David Naimark" as I recall - just wondered if it was you.

Thx, I checked out the podcast. Very similar to what I'm trying to do here, such a coincidence 😀

Hi Dr D , How bad are long loosing streaks and stress from overly worring about results in poker for mental/physical health in long run. Does this kind of stress realese cortisol etc. Does player need to take braeks (how long) if he feels angry /frustrated even when hes not grinding?
What is your recommendations for overcoming this kind of negative emotions.

Chronic stress is detrimental for your mental and physical health, no matter the cause of it. You can basically take any system of the body, the harm is enormous, from obvious consequences like depression and anxiety issues to not so obvious harm such as increased risk of cancer.
To cope with the issue you describe, imagine you have a bucket of energy, stressful activities drain it / the good stuff in life fills the bucket. Now there are 3 ways to fill the energy bucket:
1) reduce the drainage i.e. taking a break
2) fill the bucket (sleep, healthy eating, sports, time spent with friends and family, fun activities...)
3) work on your stress resilience (mindset and general mental wellbeing which Nr 2 contributes a lot to

If this kind of self-help doesn't work and you still feel stressed out / frustrated/depressed then don't shy away from seeking professional help.

Thanks Doc. I appreciate your contribution to comunity.

So you aren’t Dr. David Naimark but also play high stakes live cash? Did you know about Dr. David’s podcast before you started this thread? Other than to help people, what caused you to make an account and start this thread now?

I feel alone in my journey of trying to master the micro stakes. Is there anyone you know who can help teach me? I want to not only have someone who can teach poker to me but also help with financial so I can maintain a healthy bankroll for myself. I'm kinda **** financially ATM so not sure I can pay much for anything. Help me.