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  • Published: 3 May 1994
  • ISBN: 9780099858300
  • Imprint: Arrow
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 224
  • RRP: $26.99

Depression And How To Survive It




A self-help book with a difference, this is a revelatory book about the deepest of human emotions and human psychology, experienced by world-famous comedian and star of The Goon Show, Spike Milligan, and revealed by leading psychiatrist and celebrity interviewer Anthony Clare.

In 1982, leading psychiatrist and TV presenter Anthony Clare interviewed Spike Milligan for the radio series In The Psychiatrist's Chair, a show in which Clare led revealing interviews with a range of celebrities. He was so overwhelmed by Milligan's account of his forty years of depressive experiences that he knew he had found the person to help him illuminate and explore the mysterious and sometimes terrifying illness that is clinical depression.

Depression and How to Survive It is the result of this collaboration, through which Anthony Clare charts the development of Spike Milligan's illness and the strategies he uses in dealing with the often misunderstood disorder of clinical depression. Drawing inspiration and advice from Spike's experience, Depression and How to Survive It is a book which takes you to the depths of human unhappiness in order to show you the way towards leading a happy life.

A unique book about human psychology from one of Britain's most successful psychiatrists, providing a revelatory insight into the mind of Spike Milligan, everyone's favourite goon.

  • Published: 3 May 1994
  • ISBN: 9780099858300
  • Imprint: Arrow
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 224
  • RRP: $26.99

About the authors

Anthony Clare

Anthony Clare has been Professor and Head of Department of Psychological Medicine of St Bartholomew's Hospital and is Professor of Psychiatry at Dublin University. He is presenter of the popular series In the Psychiatrist's Chair.

Spike Milligan

Spike Milligan (1918–2002) was a famous British comedian, poet, writer and musician. His wild imagination and madcap humour had a timeless appeal that continues to delight audiences of all ages to this day.
Spike (Terence Alan) was born to British parents in India, where his father, an army captain, was stationed in Poona (Pune). The family lived in India and Rangoon (Yangon) before returning to Britain when Spike was twelve.
When the Second World War (as Spike called it, the Adolf Hitler Show) began, he enlisted and served in the 56th Heavy Regiment as a signaller. During his time in the army he joined the Bill Hall Trio and performed for the troops.
He is perhaps best known for creating, writing and performing the popular 1950s BBC Radio show The Goon Show. He has written several story books and poetry for children. His novels include Puckoon, and he produced seven volumes of war memoirs.
Badjelly the Witch, which Spike wrote for his daughter Jane, was first published in 1973. It was performed on BBC radio in England, and later on Radio New Zealand’s Sunday morning children’s programme.
Spike was awarded an honorary knighthood and CBE for his services to entertainment, and also the British Comedy Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award. A BBC poll voted him as the ‘funniest person of the last 1000 years’. His poem ‘On the Ning Nang Nong’ was voted Britain’s funniest poem.
Spike died at the age of 83 and his tombstone inscription – ‘I told you I was ill’ – ensures that he will forever be remembered first and foremost as a comic genius.

Praise for Depression And How To Survive It

Interesting and entertaining

Times

Anyone worried about a depressed friend or relative should read this book

Daily Telegraph