Joseph Berg is a Las Vegas-based reside reporter and poker journalist who serves as Content material Director for the Charity Collection of Poker (CSOP).
Seven years in the past, Ken Strauss had a really public breakdown on the World Collection of Poker (WSOP) Essential Occasion. Most individuals noticed a weird second and moved on. Strauss could not. What adopted was years of battle, rebuilding, and an sincere reckoning together with his personal psychological well being.
Once I sat down with Strauss, the person the web dubbed the “Bare Bandit”, the objective wasn’t to revisit headlines. As an alternative, we had an sincere, emotional dialog about psychological well being, accountability, and the fact many poker gamers quietly face however not often speak about.
“I believe when my incident occurred, everyone thought I used to be simply having a silly second,” he stated. “However it was a psychotic episode.”
Psychological Well being Skilled Shares Potential Dangers Amongst Poker Professionals
A Good Storm
Within the days main as much as the incident, Strauss stated issues unraveled slowly. He wasn’t sleeping, was ingesting closely, and had an unhealthy weight loss program. All of which led to distorted ideas.
“Every little thing felt prefer it was transferring in gradual movement,” he stated. “I believed folks on the desk have been dishonest. They in all probability weren’t. However in that second, I misplaced it.”
The strain of poker’s greatest stage did not trigger the breakdown, however it did not assist. “It might have occurred anyplace,” he stated. “It simply occurred to be on the Essential Occasion.”
Trying again, Strauss can see the place he went unsuitable, and the way stubbornly he refused to see it on the time.
“If this was 2019 and somebody tried to assist me, I in all probability would have stated, ‘I am effective,'” he admitted. “However I wasn’t.” That sort of denial, he believes, is among the greatest obstacles to getting assist, not simply in poker, however in every single place.
Restoration did not come rapidly or cleanly. For a very long time, Strauss was misplaced, till, little by little, he wasn’t. What lastly broke via was a Gamers’ Tribune essay by tennis participant Jessica Pegula, about her mom’s cardiac arrest, about grief, about nearly quitting, and about not quitting. Quickly after studying it, Strauss began reaching out, calling, texting, rebuilding connections he’d let go chilly. “That was the beginning of my restoration.
“If this was 2019 and somebody tried to assist me, I in all probability would have stated, ‘I am effective.’ However I wasn’t.”
A small however regular circle of pals helped him piece issues again collectively. His school roommate Jeff. Andy and Aaron, who stayed in contact via the tougher years. A co-worker he grew to become shut with named Mike. Jim and Diane Barber, folks he’d met years earlier who saved exhibiting up with help and perspective when he wanted it most.
“Realizing who your actual pals are, that was enormous,” Strauss stated. “Individuals who care about you, who you’re feeling good speaking to. These are the folks you retain round.” On the similar time, he made tougher choices about who to not hold round. “Some folks I knew earlier than 2019, I am going to by no means discuss to once more,” he stated. “Not as a result of I hate them. It is simply not good for my psychological well being.” As his private life began to stabilize, one thing else lingered.
Setting the File Straight
The story folks informed in regards to the WSOP incident wasn’t his story, and that wanted to alter. The WSOP incident had taken on a lifetime of its personal. An interview with PokerNews’ Chad Holloway gave Strauss a uncommon alternative: his personal phrases, his personal story.
“I actually cannot thank Chad and PokerNews sufficient for giving me that platform two years in the past. It was life altering for the higher.”
Since going public together with his expertise during the last two years, Strauss stated the response has been overwhelming and principally optimistic. “Folks have reached out. Some who did not perceive prior to now do.”
For him, telling the story has by no means been about rewriting the previous. It is about ensuring another person does not need to undergo the identical factor alone. “If this helps even one individual,” he stated, “it is value it.”
Constructing a New Basis & Seeing Poker In another way
Restoration additionally meant altering his every day habits from the bottom up. “I have not had a drink in seven years,” Strauss stated. “That is one thing I am actually pleased with.”
Remedy was one other breakthrough, even when it did not begin as a alternative. “I needed to get psychological well being remedy throughout probation,” he explains. “On the time, I used to be in denial. However speaking to a therapist helped me understand: yeah, I’ve received some points and I must work on them.” From there, issues began to enhance slowly via higher habits, more healthy routines, and a rising self-awareness he hadn’t had earlier than.
When requested what recommendation he’d give to a participant who sees themselves in his story, Strauss does not hesitate. “Not daily goes to be good however it’s a must to be prepared to face what is going on on.” He additionally factors to the warning indicators that he didn’t pay sufficient consideration to: “In case you’re not sleeping, for those who’re ingesting an excessive amount of alcohol, if issues really feel off, do not ignore it. Discuss to somebody.” Figuring out when to ask for assist is not a weak spot. In poker and in life, it is likely to be the neatest transfer you ever make.
“On the time, I used to be in denial. However speaking to a therapist helped me understand: yeah, I’ve received some points and I must work on them.”
At present, poker performs a a lot smaller function in his life than it as soon as did. “Ten years in the past, poker was a giant a part of my life; now, it is extra of a secondary half.” He nonetheless performs, however with a distinct mindset: much less strain and extra stability. Strauss has additionally began attending sporting occasions once more, one thing that has at all times given him pleasure, however on a extra restricted foundation. He now prioritizes a more healthy way of life, specializing in sobriety and significant friendships.
Occasions just like the Charity Collection of Poker have helped reshape his relationship with poker completely.
“The CSOP turned my poker life round,” he stated. “It is an actual group. Folks care.” That sense of group, he notes, is one thing the broader poker world usually lacks however badly wants. “You don’t need to undergo it alone,” Strauss stated. “I didn’t understand that on the time, however I do now.” Proving that he can nonetheless navigate the felt together with his new mindset, Strauss just lately completed in eighth place throughout CSOP Occasion 97.
This text is devoted to the reminiscence of Stephen E. Kabakoff, a cherished pal of Ken’s whose presence and spirit stay part of his journey.
Ken’s story is a robust reminder that whereas the poker grind is usually solitary, bettering your psychological well being does not need to be. To make sure no participant has to navigate these waters alone, the Charity Collection of Poker is launching the Poker Gamers for Improved Psychological Well being Curiosity Group, a devoted area providing sources, peer help, and group for these struggling off the felt. Be part of the Discord group to become involved.
In case you are at the moment struggling together with your psychological well being, the NAMI HelpLine is accessible Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET. Name 800-950-6264 or textual content “NAMI” to 62640. In a disaster, name or textual content 988 (obtainable 24/7).
