LUDOMANIA is a diagnosis and it can be treated.
Getting rid of ludomania in trading is essentially the struggle against emotional dependence on the trading process, not the result. Ludomania manifests itself in a constant urge to act: revenge, losing after losing, averaging down, betting 'everything', playing for excitement, not for systematic work.
How to really overcome ludomania?
1. Acknowledge ludomania — it's not a 'mistake', it's a symptom
Do not disguise this as 'I’m just undisciplined'. This is a real addiction and requires a serious approach, just like any addiction — with awareness and a system.
2. Limit access to the market
• Only one trade a day. Even if you see a super setup.
• Limit losses for the day/week. For example:
"If there are 2 consecutive losses — the terminal is closed."
3. Keep a diary of emotions
Not just the trades, but what you felt before, during, and after the trade:
• Was there an alarm?
• Did you want to take revenge?
• Was there a feeling of excitement?
Over time, you will see the triggers that initiate ludomania (for example: stress, loneliness, anger, overfatigue). And the next time you feel those emotions, you won't sit down at the monitor.
4. Separate trading and 'playing'
Trading = system + plan + risk.
Ludomania = chaos + emotions.
If you want to play — play chess, poker, or video games. But not on the stock exchange.
5. Meditation / sports
This is not esotericism. Physical activity and breathing practices reduce impulsiveness and bring you back to the 'now'. Even 10 minutes of breathing or 20 minutes of running can save your deposit.
7. Visual reminder
Hang it on your monitor, memorize it. And repeat it before entering a trade.
"The next trade will not change my life. But it may ruin it."