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Oddie in mental hospital with bout of depression
Anna Davis11 Mar 2009
Bill Oddie is being treated at a mental health hospital for depression.
The television presenter and conservationist is at the Capio Nightingale hospital near Harley Street, where Amy Winehouse has been treated for crack, heroin and Valium addictions.
Oddie, 67, has suffered depression for much of his life and has spoken about it publicly.
His agent David Foster said: "Bill gets these bouts every two or three years where he gets down for about two weeks and recovers. He sometimes goes into hospital or takes a break or has a change of scenery to recharge his batteries."
A spokesman for the BBC said: "We wish him a speedy recovery."
In his autobiography published last year, Oddie wrote: "While I was writing this book, my brain stopped for a fourth time. I started waking up with those all too familiar feelings of anxiety. Not terrified, but nervous, slightly fearful." He added: "Filming Springwatch helped - my mood always improves when I am out in the great outdoors."
Reader views (8)
Get well soon, Bill. I suffer from bouts of anxiety and depression myself, so I know how you feel. I loved your work with The Goodies, and have followed your subsequent career as a naturalist. I look forward to seeing you back on our screens again.
- Julie Bevan, Crosby, Liverpool, UK, 25/11/2009 11:24
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Good Luck, Bill,
We are all thinking of you and wishing you well and we are absolutely sure that you will come through and be back with us soon
- Cheryl Ives, Canterbury, Kent, 25/11/2009 10:24
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Get well soon Bill, I know how you feel and its usually this time of year. My wife's rabbit stew always cheers me up!.
- Martin, London, 25/11/2009 10:24
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Get well soon mate, you're a great bloke. x
- Paul, Bromley, 25/11/2009 10:24
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I'm very sorry to hear this news,I wish Bill a speedy recovery.
- Mike Melbourne, Bedford England, 25/11/2009 10:24
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He has always been a bit on the eccentric side but he has always made me laugh. Take your time - don't rush it.
- Louie, Bermondsey, 25/11/2009 10:24
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It is great that this is being openly discussed. Depression affects so many people in so many ways yet is one of those conditions which people often seem to prefer to sweep under the carpet rather than accept it as "normal".
- Ross, London, UK, 25/11/2009 10:24
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All the best Bill. Hope you make a really speedy recovery. Reagrds
- Edwrad Akyeampong, Geneva, Switzerland, 25/11/2009 10:24
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