Unfortunately medical study attached to this job sparked off my condition so I became incapable of work and ended up on extended sick leave. Then in 1981 I had another severe bout of anxiety and depression that led to a determined suicide attempt. This time I wanted to end my own life, which I had almost succeeded in doing. I was admitted in intensive care. The doctors said that it was a miracle that I survived as I had taken a near lethal overdose.
After a stay in hospital, it was strongly recommended by the medical team that I spend some months in in-patient psychiatric care so I spent three months at Ashburn Hall in Dunedin where I underwent intensive group therapy and individual counselling.