h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I didn't find out until about 15 years ago, when I was told by a doctor with enough initials after his name to convince anyone.

After a couple of days in an 'observation' room at Bowden House (my well-off sister lent me the money), the doc told me that ECT would be the quickest way to escape the cycle of depression that had led me to such feelings of anxiety and despair.

Given the choice, I decided to ignore the image presented in films like 'Cuckoo's Nest', and having nothing to loose, I went for it (several times!) It was quite a buzz, to be honest. You feel so high afterwards, they have to give you downers to straighten you out - I didn't always take mine... in fact, I hardly ever swallowed them, despite the supervision.

I did feel a bit of a fraud, though, amongst patients suffering from shell shock, repeated rapings, parental abuse, etc. But I certainly felt that special bond you mention.

How long have you known?

*Out to lunch*

"nothing to loose"! Perhaps I meant 'nothing too loose'