I'm really interested in the fact that so many of the stories are about blowing huge amounts of money on crazy purchases. Why do we do that?

One time when I was 21 and having one of the worst manic episodes I've ever had, I was employed by the local council and they didn't have any proper housing for us. As we were there doing contract work and only a short contract, they housed us in portacabins like the kind construction workers use on site as a tea hut. This cabin didn't have anything except a door and windows. It was really basic living. On payday, I decided I would spend the money on improving my living conditions, so what did I buy? An aquarium. Yep. Of all the things I could have bought, I chose a top-of-the range fish tank and filter system and stocked it up with tropical fish. It was me, a sleeping bag on the floor, my clothes still in their suitcase, and a 200 quid aquarium. When I finished the contract 2 months later and moved back to my home town, I had to give the damn thing away.

Darvula