How tilt destroys your deposit: recognize the enemy at the attack stage

Tilt in trading is not just a bad mood, it's a separate disease that has caused some people's work to end in a complete deposit collapse within a few hours.

What It Looks Like in Reality

You enter the terminal after a series of 2-3 losing trades. The logic no longer works — only one thought: “I need to get my money back, and immediately”. You start closing trades deliberately, without analysis, increasing the lot, ignoring stop-losses. Your hand is already shaking when you enter the fifth trade in a row, and the balance is shrinking with every passing minute.

People who have gone through this describe it as a loss of control over their body. The prefrontal cortex of the brain (area responsible for decision making)turns off, and the amygdala (center of fear and aggression)turns on.

What are the signs that you are already in tilt

Overtrading — entering trades every 5 minutes without reason.

Doubling positions — when one lot didn't help, take two. When two didn't help, take four.

Ignoring stop-losses — you keep a trade deep in the red hoping that “the market will turn around”.

Entry without a plan — You simply click on the “Buy” button because there can be pressure inside.

Why does this happen

A series of losses triggers a reaction in the brain similar to a gambling addiction. Each subsequent trade is an attempt to turn the situation around, but without logic, this is impossible.

Additionally:

• Overfatigue from hours of sitting at charts
• Greed after profits ( you want to take even more )
• Overestimated expectations (confidence in your market predictability)

How to get out of here

1. Set stop losses before entering the trade

Going into a position without a clear exit is like driving at night without a flashlight. Determine how much you are willing to lose, and do not move the line in hope.

2. Close the terminal for 30 minutes

Sometimes the best trade is the one you didn't make. Step away from the screen, get some fresh air, have a coffee.

3. Keep a diary of emotions

Record not only your deals but also your internal state. When you notice that your hands are shaking or your voice is rising — this is a stop signal.

4. Develop clear rules and adhere to them

The strategy should be like a law. If it says “Exit at a 2% deposit loss” — exit at a 2% loss, without discussions with your Eg.

5. Accept that losses are part of the process.

Even Warren Buffett and George Soros have losses. The main thing is not to lose control.

One fact for thought

The businesses that earn the most from traders are those that understand the psychology of tilt. They know that the emotional trader makes systematic mistakes. This is your game against their system.

Your task is simpler: do not let emotions control your money. Everything else is just details.