The survey, carried out by leading online bingo comparison site
BingoHideout.co.uk, found that 1 in 6 respondents now turn to the chatrooms
to get support for issues such as financial worries, illness, family
problems and job concerns.
Top of the stress factors in the current credit crunch were money
worries, with 70% concerned about this; followed by worries over children
(44%); relationships with a partner (31%); and concerns over work (29%).
With worries over money and the credit crunch impacting on a growing
number of the population, the survey also found that nearly 40% had taken
anti-depressants or natural stress remedies to help them cope, with women
more likely than men to opt for this approach.
The survey also looked at the main ways people are trying to de-stress,
with the top option being talking to friends – either personally or through
a chatroom (40%); followed by going shopping; exercising; and taking
medication from the doctor.
Over 78% of respondents said that playing games such as online bingo
makes them feel less stressed about life in general, underlining the support
network now available through these websites.
Ben Thorns, director of Bingo Hideout, says: “Over the last 12 months
there has been a massive increase in the popularity of chatrooms. People are
using them for a range of support, advice and friendship, and in the current
credit crunch, when stress levels for many are rising, they have come into
their own.
“The survey was specifically designed to look at the kind of support
people currently need. Many people are worried about money, their jobs and
families at the moment, and rather than feeling the only option is
medication, they can now access a strong support group through the web –
something which for a lot of our respondents has proved invaluable.”
Nearly 50% said they find it easier to make friends through online
chatrooms, with 46% saying it is easier to be more open and honest about
their problems.
Bingo Hideout is one of the leading online bingo comparison sites,
featuring the latest news and offers from over 50 top sites such as Foxy
Bingo, Gala Bingo and Wink Bingo. It also offers a chat room for bingo fans
to discuss everything from the latest games to their daily plans.
For more information visit
www.bingohideout.co.uk
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Ben Thorns
