Comedian and television personality Bob Mortimer, 67, has candidly discussed the mental battle he faces as he ages, describing efforts to prevent his mind from dwelling on thoughts of wanting to die. The star, known for his partnership with Vic Reeves and appearances on shows like Taskmaster and Would I Lie to You?, shared his reflections on the podcast Outsiding, hosted by Gardeners' World presenter Adam Frost and journalist Caitlin Moran.
Fighting Against Negative Thoughts
Mortimer explained that as he grows older, he feels an internal drive that tempts him to think negatively about the world and wish for death. "You're in this battle as you get older. There's a little drive within you that wants to say the world is awful and I'll be glad when I'm gone, just to ease that journey," he said. He emphasized that it requires active effort to counteract these thoughts and find joy in memories to maintain a positive mindset.
"And it's a real battle against that. You do start finding joy in old memories, what's happened in your life. Just to keep a bit of joy in your brain, to stop you going 'I hate this place, everything's gone to s***, I wish I was dead.' You are fighting against it a lot of the time," Mortimer added.
Near-Death Experience and Afterlife Belief
Mortimer has previously spoken about his mortality, particularly after undergoing triple bypass surgery in 2015. Doctors discovered that 95% of his arteries were blocked. On Kathy Burke's podcast Where There's A Will, There's A Wake, he described seeing a white light and feeling an overwhelming sense of happiness, which led him to believe in an afterlife. "I did see the light at the end of the tunnel. I experienced going towards the light and feeling happier than I have ever felt, ever. It was quite extraordinary, and then I woke up a day later and I was OK. I thought, 'This is great. I no longer fear death and everything'," he recalled.
However, fans quickly tempered his excitement by explaining that the experience might have been caused by the release of the chemical PCT during his ordeal. "Loads of people wrote to me and said, 'It's because your body gives out loads of PCT, some chemical to get you through that and it gives you these hallucinations'. I was a bit sad about that," Mortimer noted.
Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis
In addition to his heart condition, Mortimer has lived with rheumatoid arthritis since his mid-20s. The chronic condition has been another challenge he has managed throughout his life and career.
Positive Outlook Post-Surgery
Despite the difficulties, Mortimer said his near-death experience transformed his perspective, making him more open to new experiences. "I wouldn't wish it on people, there is a positive to a near-death experience. People used to ask me 'do you fancy doing this or that?' And it was like I had a file of reasons in my head for not doing things. I would rifle through my head until I found one. But I've stopped that," he concluded.
