Advertise on podcast: Schizophrenia As I Live It (audio)

Send us Fan Mail #fiction #writers #fictionwriters #foster #fostercare #family A family mystery can do more than answer questions, it can hand you an entire novel. After a long break, I’m back to talk about why genealogy has become my most surprising tool for fiction writing, and how digging through records can turn half-remembered oral history into a living, research-backed story world. I share what I’m working on now: Stay Outside, an Australian foster story set around 1900, inspired by the oral history passed down about my maternal grandfather, Frank Cohen. He and his siblings were abandoned by their birth parents and placed into foster care, and that early trauma shaped everything that came after. I avoid spoilers about what I’ve learned, but I explain how genealogy websites like Ancestry.com, MyHeritage.com, and Geni.com help me build a factual backbone while still writing a novel rather than a memoir. From there, the research widens into the bigger forces that shape character choices and family conflict. I talk through studying Ballarat, Victoria, the aftershocks of the Victorian Gold Rush, and the Victorian Depression of the 1890s, and how those economic and social pressures can become plot, not just background. I also touch on the practical ethics of writing from real roots: changing names and some dates for privacy, using the “cobweb of reality” approach when details are incomplete, and leaning on the genuine sense of community that appears when relatives contribute their own discoveries. If you’re interested in genealogy for writers, historical fiction research, or building character backstory from real documents, this is a focused listen with plenty to spark your own project. Subscribe, share the show with a writer friend, and leave a review telling me what piece of your family history you’d be tempted to fictionalize. While you are waiting for this novel to be published, please check out my two fiction novels, “The Overlife: A Tale of Schizophrenia” and “Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies. I live with schizophrenia, and I am a survivor of sibling abuse, the theme of the second novel. Here are my Amazon Affiliate Links to the two novels. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For “The Overlife,” click on https://amzn.to/3Q3ReDZ, and for “Three Kidnapped,” click on https://amzn.to/48EdLNS. More information is available on my website: https://dianadirkbywrites.com/My Social Media: @dianadirkby_writings (www.instagram.com/dianadirkby_ writings/) Diana Dirkby Writings (www.facebook.com/DianaDirkbyAuthor) @dianadirkby (https://x.com/DianaDirkby) @DianaDirkbyWrites (www.youtube.com/@DianaDirkbyWritesPastime 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 Fan Mail You can watch the video of this Podcast on YouTube at https://youtu.be/tfylGCBThWo Relevant Amazon Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 1) Neuhaus Posture Ergonomic PU leather office chair: https://amzn.to/3SkfMpS 2) Ergotron – WorkFit – TX – Standing Desk Converter: https://amzn.to/4dim8QC 3) ErGear Height Adjustable Electric Standing Desk on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4qSXQD9 4) Nulaxy Telescopic Laptop Stand: https://amzn.to/47sPFpt   #ergonomics #ergonomicdesk #ergonomicvariabledesktop #standingdesk #laptopstand #variableheightlaptopstand #ergonomicsforwriters Pain is not a prerequisite for excellent writing. We break down the simple, science-backed moves that turn your workspace into a calm, pain-free launchpad for deep focus: how to set your chair for real lumbar support, where your elbows and feet should land, and the precise monitor height that saves your neck during long drafting days. We start with a posture that holds without effort, then dial in desk and screen height so your shoulders stop creeping upward, and your eyes stop fighting glare and distance. If you rely on a laptop, you’ll hear exactly how to fix its built-in ergonomic flaws with a riser and an external keyboard and mouse. We get specific about wrist alignment, mouse reach, and the minor adjustments that cut strain before it becomes injury. And because stillness is the enemy, we outline a movement plan you can actually keep: the 20-20-20 eye rule, hourly stand-and-stretch breaks, and quick routines for neck, shoulders, wrists, and chest. We also share real-world gear that makes these habits effortless. A height-adjustable standing desk solved variable posture and space constraints in a small Alaska office. At the same time, a sturdy, telescopic laptop stand delivered portable control in rooms around a larger Texas home. Both setups prioritize fine-grained height control, stability for heavier laptops, and easy rotation—details that keep your body aligned and your attention on the page. Expect practical, actionable steps and a few trusted product recommendations to help you write longer without paying for it later. If this helped you rethink your setup, follow the show, share it with a writer who’s constantly rubbing their neck, and leave a quick review. Tell us the one tweak you’ll make today—and what you want us to cover next. References: https//safety services.ucdavis.edu; https://UpDowndesk.com.au; https://goldtouch.com; https://Principlefourosteopathy.com.au 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 Fan Mail This audio episode is paired with a video episode on my YouTube channel. You can find the video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/mHrK5GjH1BM Paid promotion with Amazon.com. The links to Amazon.com at the end of this episode description are my Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. What happens when you annotate a PDF versus a plain text file on your Kindle Scribe? The answer matters more than you might think, especially if you're collaborating with others or need to preserve your notes exactly as written. Drawing from my ongoing collaboration with a screenwriter adapting my novels, I've discovered crucial differences that affect how we exchange feedback. While both file formats can be transferred to the Scribe using similar methods (email, web app, or USB), the annotation experience diverges dramatically once they're on your device. PDFs offer a true paper-like experience—you can write anywhere on the page, circle diagrams, add margin notes, and see your annotations embedded in the exact position when exported. The Active Canvas feature even lets text reflow around your notes. This makes PDFs perfect for technical documents, contracts, or any content where position matters. When exported, your handwritten marks appear flattened into the document exactly as written. Text files, by contrast, treat annotations as attachments rather than integrated elements. You can highlight passages and add sticky notes, but there's no direct on-page writing. When exported, these text files convert to PDFs with highlights preserved, but all handwritten notes are collected and appended at the end as an appendix. It's functional but feels more like a report than an edited manuscript. The difference becomes crystal clear when sending annotated documents back and forth with collaborators. With PDFs, they see exactly what you wrote where you wrote it. With text files, they get a more structured but less visually integrated collection of notes. Have you tried both methods? Which would you say works better for your workflow? You can just experiment with both to discover which format better serves your note-taking and collaboration needs. #KindleScribe #DigitalNoteTaking #PDFAnnotation #TextFileAnnotation #KindleTips #AmazonKindle #AnnotationTools #ProductivityTools The following links to Amazon.com are my affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My books: The Overlife, A Tale of Schizophrenia, by Diana Dirkby (visit https://amzn.to/45u3od7) Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies, by Diana Dirkby (visit https://amzn.to/4oyPgZ0) Book by Ian Allan: The new Kindle Scribe user guide 2025 (visit https://amzn.to/414EQ9r) Kindle Scribe Bundle: (visit https://amzn.to/4mzKvfL) Walnew Cover for Kindle Scribe: (visit https://amzn.to/3HuWUmo) CoBak Premium PU Leather Case for Kindle Scribe 10.2": (visit https://amzn.to/4oySnjo) 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 Fan Mail Here are some of my Affiliate Links relevant to this Episode. As an Amazon Associate, I earn with qualifying purchases. This Episode is paired with the YouTube video https://youtu.be/JbLYMznoda0 Ian Allan's book "The new Kindle Scribe User Guide 2025:" visit https://amzn.to/3IXUBsn (#ad #commisionsearned) CoBak Premium PU Leather Case for Kindle Scribe 10.2": visit https://amzn.to/45rrKEG (#ad #commissionsearned) #KindleScribe #DigitalNoteTaking #KindleNotebooks #KindleScribeToolbar #KindleScribeToolbarInNotebooks #NoteTakingTech Unlock the full potential of your Kindle Scribe with this comprehensive guide to mastering the notebook toolbar. Before diving into advanced features, we cover a crucial first step many users miss: enabling personal document archiving through your Amazon account settings. This simple configuration ensures all your notes and documents sync seamlessly to the cloud, protecting your work and making it accessible across devices. The Kindle Scribe transforms note-taking with its intuitive toolbar, packed with powerful tools for writers, students, professionals, and creative thinkers. We walk through accessing notebooks, customizing toolbar placement for left or right-handed users, and leveraging the full suite of writing instruments. From the versatile pen tool with customizable thickness to the intelligent lasso selection tool, each feature is designed to make digital note-taking feel natural and efficient. Beyond basic writing, discover how to manage pages with the multi-page view, organize content with folders, and share your notes through export options. The newest AI-powered enhancements bring exciting capabilities like summarizing lengthy notes and refining handwriting into polished text. We also share power user tips for a distraction-free experience and step-by-step instructions for exporting notebooks via email. Whether you're jotting down meeting notes, sketching design concepts, or organizing research, mastering these toolbar features will elevate your digital note-taking game. What productivity hacks will you discover with your newly unleashed Kindle Scribe? Share your experiences and questions by texting us through Buzzsprout or commenting on our YouTube companion video. 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 Fan Mail Ever stare at a blank page while your mind wanders everywhere except your story? You're not alone. The modern writer faces an unprecedented battle for attention – from buzzing phones to buzzing thoughts. Between environmental distractions, digital interruptions, and our own wandering minds, staying focused on creative writing has become increasingly challenging. This struggle is even more pronounced for writers managing conditions like schizophrenia, where both external stimuli and internal noise create additional barriers to creative expression. But there's hope – and practical solutions. You can significantly reduce external distractions by creating a minimalist writing environment and implementing digital boundaries. Techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes of focused work followed by short breaks) help maintain momentum without burnout. Specialized tools like noise-canceling headphones, distraction-blocking apps, and writing-focused software create a protected space for your creativity to flourish. Managing internal distractions requires different strategies. Brief meditation sessions before writing can help quiet racing thoughts. Journaling stray ideas creates mental space for focused creativity. Setting clear intentions for each writing session provides direction that keeps you on track. Perhaps most importantly, embracing imperfection frees you from the paralysis of perfectionism, allowing progress rather than demanding perfection. The path to distraction-free writing isn't about eliminating every possible interruption – it's about creating systems that help you maintain focus despite inevitable distractions. Whether you're writing a novel, short story, or creative non-fiction, these practical techniques can transform your relationship with writing, allowing your authentic voice to emerge clearly amid the noise of modern life. Ready to create your distraction-free writing sanctuary? Subscribe now and join our community of focused, productive writers! #SchizophreniaAwareness #MentalHealthWriting #CreativeWriting #DistractionFree #WritingWithSchizophrenia #FocusAndCreate #WritingTips #MentalHealthMatters #CreativeMinds #WritingCommunity #SameHere My website: https://dianadirkbywrites.com My Amazon Associate webpages: https://dianadirkbywrites.com/amazon-affiliate-links-products-for-writers/ and https://dianadirkbywrites.com/write-from-home-desk-accessories/. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Focus@Will website: https://www.focusatwill.com/ Ommwriter website: (https://ommwriter.com/ Buy my Books: The Overlife, A Tale of Schizophrenia, by Diana Dirkby (visit https://amzn.to/454WgW6). Buy my Books: “Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies,” by Diana Dirkby (visit https://amzn.to/42Z81KY). The links to my books are Amazon Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. website: https://dianadirkbywrites.com (fiction writing) website: https://aussiemathematician.io/ (mathematics) Blog: https://dianadirkbywrites.com/blogs/ Podcast: Schizophrenia As I Live It (audio) https://www.buzzsprout.com/2186769. Podcast: Fractured Ink: Writing in Life’s Chaos (video) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUxDLjcuok9SMcaBbm3M7KNpNztvZ73H0 Instagram: @dianadirkby_writings (https://www.instagram.com/dianadirkby_writings/) Facebook Page: Diana Dirkby Writings (https://www.facebook.com/DianaDirkbyAuthor) X-account: @dianadirkby (https://x.com/DianaDirkby) YouTube channel @DianaDirkbyWrites (https://www.youtube.com/@DianaDirkbyWrites) 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 Fan Mail Finding stability in creative chaos has been my lifelong journey as a fiction writer living with schizophrenia. Drawing wisdom from master storyteller Walter Mosley's advice on daily writing routines, I've discovered powerful connections between maintaining creative discipline and managing mental health challenges. My mornings belong to fiction writing—after coffee, breakfast, and digital newspapers, of course. This dedicated creative time, respected by my spouse and protected in my schedule, provides essential structure that benefits both my novels and my mind. When symptoms of schizophrenia threaten to overwhelm with confusion and disorientation, these established routines become anchors in the storm. Simple activities—feeding wild birds, watching films, housekeeping, gardening, playing piano—transform into meaningful touchstones that guide me through difficult days. Organization tools like planners help me visualize and maintain this framework without becoming trapped by rigidity. Even during relapses or psychotic episodes, I continue writing through journaling, which serves dual purposes: maintaining my creative practice while tracking mental health patterns and warning signs. Similarly, medication management requires its own carefully crafted schedule—I take antipsychotics and epilepsy medications in late afternoon rather than evening, accommodating my 4am wake-up time. The beautiful synchronicity I've found is that the discipline required for successful writing directly enhances my mental health management, and vice versa. Whether you're a writer, someone managing mental health challenges, or both, I hope my experiences offer insight into the profound power of thoughtful routines. Subscribe to my channel and podcast for more on living creatively with schizophrenia, and share your own routine strategies in the comments! #WritingRoutine, #WritingTips, #WritingProductivity, #SchizophreniaAwareness, #MentalHealth #MentalHealthWriting, #WritingforWellness References and online Links    Walter Mosley: Course “Teaches Fiction and Storytelling, Masterclass app. Clever Fox Planner Pro (visit https://amzn.to/437AUVA).  Clever Fox Mental Health & Anxiety Journal (visit https://amzn.to/3FXGwtQ) The Clever Fox links are Amazon Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. The Overlife, A Tale of Schizophrenia, by Diana Dirkby (visit https://amzn.to/454WgW6). “Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies,” by Diana Dirkby (visit https://amzn.to/42Z81KY). The links to my books are Amazon Affiliate Links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. website: https://dianadirkbywrites.com (fiction writing) website: https://aussiemathematician.io/ (mathematics) Blog: https://dianadirkbywrites.com/blogs/ Podcast: Schizophrenia As I Live It (audio)  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2186769. Podcast: Fractured Ink: Writing in Life’s Chaos (video) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUxDLjcuok9SMcaBbm3M7KNpNztvZ73H0 Instagram: @dianadirkby_writings (https://www.instagram.com/dianadirkby_writings/) Facebook Page: Diana Dirkby Writings (https://www.facebook.com/DianaDirkbyAuthor) X-account: @dianadirkby (https://x.com/DianaDirkby) YouTube channel @DianaDirkbyWrites (https://www.youtube.com/@DianaDirkbyWrites) 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 Fan Mail Today marks a meaningful transition as I conclude "Schizophrenia As I Live It" and introduce my new creative journey, "Fractured Ink: Writing in Life's Chaos." While living with paranoid schizophrenia remains an essential part of my identity, my fiction writing is expanding to embrace the full spectrum of my experiences. "Fractured Ink: Writing In Life's Chaos," or "Fractured Ink," for short, delves deeper into topics that have shaped my life beyond mental illness—from exploring sibling abuse in my second novel "Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies" (https://amazon.com/dp/B0DPXW76DV/) to sharing how I built a successful career as a research mathematician and university professor despite my diagnosis. You'll discover how adaptation, fortunate circumstances, and supportive colleagues helped me navigate professional challenges while managing schizophrenia. The podcast balances serious subjects with life's joys. Humor has been crucial to my survival, and I'm eager to share what makes me laugh. I'll talk about finding love in marriage, my passion for bird watching and nature walks, and why love is never wasted—even when directed toward complicated relationships. Every Sunday at 5 pm PST, I'll bring you new episodes in both audio and video formats, available on Apple Podcasts and my YouTube channel "@DianaDirkbyWrites." (https://www.youtube.com/@DianaDirkbyWrites) As we embark on this new chapter, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support throughout "Schizophrenia As I Live It." That podcast will remain available as a resource, while "Fractured Ink" expands our conversation. Episode 0 is already available as a preview, with Episode 1 premiering tomorrow. Subscribe to my YouTube channel, join the discussion in the comments, and let's continue exploring life's challenges and celebrations together. My website and social media: My Instagram: @dianadirkby_writings (https://www.instagram.com/dianadirkby_writings/) My Facebook Page: Diana Dirkby Writings (https://www.facebook.com/DianaDirkbyAuthor) My X-account: @dianadirkby (https://x.com/DianaDirkby) My YouTube channel @DianaDirkbyWrites (https://www.youtube.com/@DianaDirkbyWrites) #fiction #novel #families #relationships #challenges #schizophrenia #CPTSD #epilepsy #siblingabuse #mentalhealth #nature #birds #birdwatching Do you love to watch wild birds from inside your home? Then, your answer is a feeder that won a British Birdwatching Innovation Award and was updated just this year, 2025. It is designed with clear, strong plastic, so nothing obstructs the view of the birds who visit it to feed. It has extra-strong suction cups that ensure it stays in place. It has a high roof, which is also suitable for larger birds. Where can you find it? To see it on Amazon, click on the following link: https://amzn.to/42jxzDF. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. #ad #commissionsearned #birds #wildbirds #birdfeeder #nature #birdwatching 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 Fan Mail A significant transition is underway as I prepare to close "Schizophrenia as I Live it" and launch my new podcast "Fractured Ink." While schizophrenia has been central to my story, it's just one piece of a complex puzzle that includes complex PTSD, absence epilepsy, and my creative identity as a novelist and poet. These conditions, as I explain, "feed off each other" in ways that create a uniquely challenging yet creatively fertile internal landscape. My journey from research mathematician and university professor to published fiction writer has given me new ways to explore and express my experiences. Through my novels "The Overlife: A Tale of Schizophrenia" and "Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies," I've chosen fiction over memoir as my medium for addressing difficult topics including mental illness and sibling abuse. As I share in the episode, "Tell Me A Story," this approach allows me "artistic freedom to wrap these topics in a story worth reading for its own sake." The name "Fractured Ink" perfectly captures this next chapter – representing both the fracture of my mind as I navigate multiple disorders and my dedication to writing as a means of healing and connection. I hope you'll join me as this new podcast expands beyond schizophrenia to encompass all aspects of my life and creative work. The current podcast will remain available on all platforms, with the final episode announcing when "Fractured Ink" launches. Have you found that creative expression helps you process your own life challenges? I'd love to hear your thoughts as we continue this journey together. #writer #fiction #schizophrenia #ComplexPTSD #epilepsy #families #friends #familyrelationships 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 Fan Mail Correction: In the podcast, I talk of Dina Martinelli as the author of "Everyone Was Silent." Diane Tarantini wrote this book. My apologies! Mental illness rarely exists in isolation. Living with paranoid schizophrenia presents daily challenges, but when childhood trauma enters the equation, the struggle intensifies in ways many don't understand. My personal journey with schizophrenia is deeply intertwined with my experiences as a survivor of sibling and parental abuse – when one flares, the other follows, creating a complex web of symptoms that can be overwhelming. April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prevention, designated as both Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Throughout this episode, I share how these initiatives connect directly to my mental health experience and why I'm passionate about raising awareness. From wearing teal on April 1st to support survivors of sexual violence to donning blue on April 4th for child abuse prevention, these simple acts create visibility for causes that remain stigmatized despite their prevalence. I'm excited to highlight incredible resources that have helped me and can help others, including Feather Berkower's Parenting Safe Children workshops happening April 5th and 12th. These sessions provide practical tools for parents and caregivers to protect children from abuse. I also recommend several books and websites including stopitnow.org and safesiblings.org that offer valuable information. My own book "Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies" explores sibling abuse through fiction, providing another avenue for understanding these difficult experiences. Whether you're a survivor seeking validation, a parent wanting to protect your children, or simply someone who cares about ending abuse cycles, I hope you'll find valuable insights and resources in this deeply personal episode. Join me in breaking the silence around childhood trauma and its lasting effects on mental health. #WearTealDay #SAAM2025 #VALOR #NotMyShame #ActToEndIt #StressAwarenessMonth #UnitedWeChange #TogetherWeAct #ChildAbusePreventionMonth #WearBlueDay #EveryChildNeedsAHero #bodysafetyconversation #childsexabuseprevention #parentingsafechildren #bodysafetytalks #parentworkshop #EndChildSexualAbuse #adultresponsibility #offlimits #grooming #CourageousConversation #OffLimits 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 Fan Mail In this episode, I explain why it has been so long since the previous episode. I then discuss the advantages I have found using the fiction genre in writing about mental illness and child abuse in my two novels, "The Overlife. A Tale of Schizophrenia" (www.amazon.com/dp/191685219X) and "Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies" (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DR9K6YMG). #SameHere #Schizophrenia #SiblingAbuse #ChildAbuse #Family #Friends #MentalIllness  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 Fan Mail In this episode, I share my delight in winning an International Impact Book Award for my book "The Overlife, A Tale of Schizophrenia," under my pen name, Diana Dirkby. I talk about the organization that gives these awards and their crucial philanthropic work. The Founder of this organization is Nim Stant. #writing #goodstory #internationalimpactbookawards #schizophrenia #mentalnealth #families 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 Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how mythological Furies could captivate the imagination in a modern-day thriller? Join me, Diana Dirkby, as I unravel the exhilarating journey behind my newly published book, "Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies." This gripping tale explores the mysterious disappearance of three teens from different families in the quaint town of Vraboro, where myth and reality intertwine in the most chilling ways. Not only will you get a glimpse of this heart-pounding narrative, but you'll also discover how it reflects my personal belief that mental health diagnoses do not solely define individuals. This episode offers a sneak peek into the creative process and highlights how my experiences with schizophrenia have informed my work without confining it. As you tune in, you'll learn about the various formats of my book, from the accessible Kindle edition to the anticipated audiobook and screenplay adaptations. Each format promises a unique experience, whether you're a multitasker at heart or someone who cherishes the tactile feel of a paperback. And don't miss out on my previous work, "The Overlife, a Tale of Schizophrenia," now available as an engaging audiobook. Embark on this inspiring journey with me as I aim to blend creativity with mental wellness, proving that diverse talents can flourish beyond mental illness labels. #mentalhealth #schizophrenia #kidnapping #thriller #horror #goodstory #families #familyrelationships #greekmyths #siblings #abuse 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 Fan Mail 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 Fan Mail 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 #TheOverlife #ATaleofSchizophrenia #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 Fan Mail 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