Schizophrenia As I Live It, Parts 1&2

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2186769/open_sms] The struggle between solitude and connection can be a profound one, especially when navigating life with paranoid schizophrenia. Join me, Diana Dirkby, as I share the allure of solitude before finding the love and support of my caregiver spouse, and how it continues to shape my journey through the challenges of absence epilepsy and a recent compression fracture. This episode, 'Schizophrenia and the Temptation of Solitude,' offers a window into the delicate balance of managing mental health with the support of those who truly understand. In our conversation, discover how solitude can serve as both a refuge and a hurdle, and why it’s crucial to strike harmony between alone time and social engagement. I open up about my transition from a research mathematician to a successful writing career, highlighting the flexibility that helped manage my symptoms. We also tackle the often-overlooked stigma surrounding weight, mental health, and medication, advocating for compassion and understanding in these areas. Whether you're on a similar path or supporting a loved one, find encouragement and insights waiting in this episode. #DianaDirkby #TheOverlife #ATaleofSchizophrenia #Schizophrenia #MentalIllness #FamilyDynamics #CaregiverBurden #Resilience #Hope #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthStigma #Strength #Love #Compassion #SecondChance #Transformation #Fiction #MentalHealthPortrayal #FamilyStruggles #EmotionalTurmoil #PoignantStory #GrippingNarrative #UnforgettableCharacters #MustReadBook #Amazon #Solitude Pastime With Good Company by King Henry VIII, played by The Chestnut Brass Company  Pastime With Good Company, composed by King Henry VIII, played by The Chestnut Brass Company

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2186769/open_sms] What if you could find hope and resilience in the midst of living with paranoid schizophrenia? Join Diana Dirkby as she explores her personal journey in navigating life with this challenging brain disorder. As the host of "Schizophrenia as I Live it," Diana shares how she has built a fulfilling life by setting realistic daily goals and finding support through mental health advocacy groups like NAMI and SANE Australia. Her story is one of overcoming stigma and setbacks, and she emphasizes that life can be rewarding despite mental health challenges. Diana's mission is clear: to inspire others to see beyond diagnoses and find hope in unexpected places. Diana also dives into her literary world, inviting listeners to explore her book "The Overlife: A Tale of Schizophrenia" and eagerly anticipating her upcoming novel "Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies." Through compelling characters like Isabel Morse, Diana challenges stereotypes and uncovers the often-taboo issues faced by families. With elements of horror and thriller, these stories not only entertain but also shed light on the complexities of mental health. Connect with Diana on Instagram (@dianadirkby_writings) and her new website for updates on her writing, as she continues her fight to support mental health awareness and challenge societal norms. #DianaDirkby [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/dianadirkby/] #TheOverlife [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/theoverlife/] #ATaleofSchizophrenia [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/ataleofschizophrenia/] #Schizophrenia [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/schizophrenia/] #MentalIllness [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/mentalillness/] #FamilyDynamics [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/familydynamics/] #CaregiverBurden [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/caregiverburden/] #Resilience [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/resilience/] #Hope [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/hope/] #MentalHealthAwareness [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/mentalhealthawareness/] #MentalHealthStigma [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/mentalhealthstigma/] #Strength [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/strength/] #Love [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/love/] #Compassion [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/compassion/] #SecondChance [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/secondchance/] #Transformation [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/transformation/] #Fiction [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/fiction/] #MentalHealthPortrayal [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/mentalhealthportrayal/] #FamilyStruggles [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/familystruggles/] #EmotionalTurmoil [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/emotionalturmoil/] #PoignantStory [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/poignantstory/] #GrippingNarrative [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/grippingnarrative/] #UnforgettableCharacters [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/unforgettablecharacters/] #MustReadBook [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/mustreadbook/] #Amazon [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/amazon/] Pastime With Good Company by King Henry VIII, played by The Chestnut Brass Company  Pastime With Good Company, composed by King Henry VIII, played by The Chestnut Brass Company

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2186769/open_sms] Can the right attitude, therapy, and medication truly allow someone with a mental illness to achieve anything, even their wildest dreams? Join me, Diana Dirkby, as I challenge this widespread notion on "Schizophrenia as I Live It." Through my personal journey living with paranoid schizophrenia, I'll reveal the compromises I've had to make and the reality of managing the illness while pursuing a career. As a former research mathematician turned writer, I share how redefining success and finding fulfillment has been crucial in my journey.  Hear the unvarnished truth about balancing ambition with acceptance and why it's important to choose supportive collaborators and projects that align with your strengths. I'll also discuss my fictional work, "The Overlife," which mirrors my experiences with schizophrenia. Whether you live with a mental illness or support someone who does, this episode offers valuable insights into achieving a fulfilling life without being unfairly blamed for struggles or pressured by unattainable role models. Listen in for a candid conversation on finding happiness and fulfillment amidst the challenges. #DianaDirkby #TheOverlife #A TaleofSchizophrenia #Schizophrenia #MentalIllness #FamilyDynamics #CaregiverBurden #Resilience #Hope #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthStigma #Strength #Love #Compassion #SecondChance #Transformation #Fiction #MentalHealthPortrayal #FamilyStruggles #EmotionalTurmoil #PoignantStory #GrippingNarrative #UnforgettableCharacters #MustReadBook Pastime With Good Company by King Henry VIII, played by The Chestnut Brass Company  Pastime With Good Company, composed by King Henry VIII, played by The Chestnut Brass Company

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2186769/open_sms] Struggling to find the perfect way to consume books while managing the symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia? Join me, Diana Dirkby, as I unravel the complexities of reading with visual and auditory hallucinations and why audiobooks have become my sanctuary. Discover my personal journey from battling the chaos of jumbled words on a page to finding comfort in the soothing cadence of a narrator's voice. Gain insight into how these auditory experiences provide a much-needed escape and allow me to stay connected to the stories I love, even when my symptoms are at their peak. I also open up about my writing process, sharing how creating fiction remains a therapeutic outlet amidst the challenges of schizophrenia. Hear about the transformation of my novel "The Overlife: A Tale of Schizophrenia" into an engaging audiobook, and the meticulous selection of the perfect narrator to bring my story to life. Whether you’re managing similar symptoms or curious about the intersection of mental health and literature, this episode offers a heartfelt exploration of resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling in all its forms. #DianaDirkby #TheOverlife #A TaleofSchizophrenia #Schizophrenia #MentalIllness #FamilyDynamics #CaregiverBurden #Resilience #Hope #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthStigma #Strength #Love #Compassion #SecondChance #Transformation #Fiction #MentalHealthPortrayal #FamilyStruggles #EmotionalTurmoil #PoignantStory #GrippingNarrative #UnforgettableCharacters #MustReadBook #Amazon Pastime With Good Company by King Henry VIII, played by The Chestnut Brass Company  Pastime With Good Company, composed by King Henry VIII, played by The Chestnut Brass Company

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2186769/open_sms] Can you imagine navigating the complexities of paranoid schizophrenia while managing a busy online presence? Diana Dirkby takes us through her personal journey, filled with both challenges and triumphs, as she shares the latest updates in her life and work. From launching a new website to revamping her social media profiles, Diana’s story is both inspiring and insightful. She candidly discusses her recent accident and how it's impacted her work, illustrating the resilience and determination that defines her path. Get the inside scoop on Diana’s brand-new website, which promises to be the ultimate hub for her books, blogs, and podcasts. Learn about the changes to her social media presence, including a fresh Instagram handle and a new Facebook page, all enhanced with the help of Amazon. Diana ensures her followers will enjoy a more engaging and professional experience across all platforms. Tune in to discover how she’s transforming her digital landscape and what you can look forward to in her upcoming projects. Thank you for continuing to support Diana on this remarkable journey. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #schizophrenia #paranoidschizophrenia #schizoaffective #mentalillness #psychosis #depressionsawareness #fictionwriting #family #relationships #nomorestigma #fightthestigmaofmentalillness #letstalk #lookafteryourself #schizophreniaawareness #mentalillnessrecovery #mentalillnesstreatment #motherdaughter #brainhealth #siblingabuse #horror #thriller Pastime With Good Company by King Henry VIII, played by The Chestnut Brass Company  Pastime With Good Company, composed by King Henry VIII, played by The Chestnut Brass Company