Does EMDR Therapy Work Online? What You Need to Know
“Why do so many people dream of winning the lottery when the reality can be far more complicated than it seems? Here’s what I’ve found.”
Ayhan AlmanPsychotherapist and Researcher
Why Winning the Lottery Might Not Solve Your Problems
The Myth of Overnight Success
The allure of an overnight transformation by winning the lottery captivates many, especially those facing financial hardships. The dream of sudden wealth promises an escape from daily struggles and a gateway to a life of ease. However, the reality of such windfalls often diverges sharply from these expectations.
My working-class, immigrant parents in Germany spent years buying lottery tickets, believing that one big win would solve everything. Each time, they watched as others took home the prize while they continued hoping for their turn.
1.
The Reality of a Lottery Win
A study from 2018, where researchers observed German lottery winners from 2000 to 2011, found that mental health declines immediately after winning a large lottery prize for individuals with low education and low levels of financial literacy. A Canadian study found in 2016 that a 1% increase in the lottery prize causes a 0.04% rise in subsequent bankruptcies among the winners’ close neighbours, indicating that low education and financial literacy not only affect the winner’s mental health but also have the potential to increase bankruptcies among their neighbours.
2.
Money Can’t Fix Everything
In light of this data, I’m rather relieved that my parents never made it into the circles of lottery winners, considering the potential negative outcomes not only for themselves but also for their neighbours. A sudden windfall doesn’t erase financial problems—it can add new ones. Some winners make risky choices, overspend, or face pressure from family and friends. Relationships can change, and managing unexpected wealth brings its own challenges. If these challenges aren’t addressed, mental health can suffer over time.
3.
Winning the Lottery Can Bring More Problems
Maybe winning the lottery isn’t the answer it seems to be. While the idea of overnight success is appealing, real stability comes from knowing how to manage money—not just having more of it. Psychotherapy and counselling can help people process the impact of sudden change, whether it’s a lottery win, an inheritance, or another unexpected shift in circumstances.
Most of us know that money won’t fix everything, yet the dream of winning the lottery persists. Maybe that dream is less about wealth and more about hope—the hope that something could change life for the better. And in difficult times, hope isn’t a bad thing. If you play the lottery, I hope for something better for you—not just the numbers, but real, lasting change that brings what you truly need. If you’ve been considering therapy, you can book a consultation with me or request a free 15-minute call-back.
