Page "Spike Milligan" Paragraph 37

He suffered from severe bipolar disorder for most of his life, having at least ten major mental breakdowns, several lasting over a year.

He spoke candidly about his condition and its effect on his life: I have got so low that I have asked to be hospitalised and for deep narcosis ( sleep ).

I cannot stand being awake.

The pain is too much ... Something has happened to me, this vital spark has stopped burning-I go to a dinner table now and I don't say a word, just sit there like a dodo.

Normally I am the centre of attention, keep the conversation going-so that is depressing in itself.

It's like another person taking over, very strange.

The most important thing I say is ' good evening ' and then I go quiet.