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As Diana Dirkby, I've walked through the shadowed valleys of paranoid schizophrenia and emerged into the light of understanding and advocacy. May, as Mental Health Awareness Month, offers a poignant backdrop to my candid narrative, where I peel back the layers of stigma and reveal the daily triumphs over the unseen battles within. Join me for a deeply personal journey that honors the history of mental health observance, champions the efforts of NAMI's "Take the Moment" campaign, and extends an empathetic hand to those wrestling with their own mental health challenges. 

Embarking on a heartfelt exploration, I reflect on not just my own experiences, but also on the legacy of my mother's struggles with the lack of acceptance she faced. This episode isn't just a conversation—it's an avenue to amplify the voices of those who often feel unheard. I intertwine the power of relationships and the significance of understanding as we navigate life with mental health conditions. With an invitation to explore my upcoming novel, "Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies," we address the complexities of mental health embedded within the intricate tapestry of family dynamics. Here's to a session that informs, inspires, and invigorates the spirit of inclusivity and support for all.

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #schizophrenia #paranoidschizophrenia #schizoaffective #mentalillness #psychosis #depressionsawareness #fictionwriting #family #relationships #nomorestigma #fightthestigmaofmentalillness #letstalk #lookafteryourself #schizophreniaawareness #mentalillnessrecovery #mentalillnesstreatment #motherdaughter #brainhealth 

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

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When my mother's schizophrenia cast a shadow over her physical health, the consequences were heartbreakingly irreversible. Her story, interwoven with my own, underscores the often overlooked but critical importance of holistic well-being. On today's podcast, I, Diana Dirkby, delve into the complex dance of managing both mental and physical health when living with a condition like schizophrenia. Reflecting on poignant experiences from "The Overlife: A Tale of Schizophrenia," I'll guide you through the necessity of regular health check-ups, the impact of antipsychotic medications on the body, and share my personal strategies for maintaining balance in the face of this illness.

As we journey together, I'll offer insights into the delicate interplay of mental and physical health, illustrating how one can support or undermine the other. I'll also shed light on practical steps for managing the side effects of treatment, the importance of professional guidance, and the pitfalls of short-term solutions like crash diets. For anyone touched by schizophrenia or interested in the broader conversation about health, join me for a candid discussion that promises to educate, empower, and inspire a more systematic approach to well-being.

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #schizophrenia #paranoidschizophrenia #schizoaffective #mentalillness #psychosis #depressionsawareness #fictionwriting #family #relationships #nomorestigma #fightthestigmaofmentalillness #letstalk #lookafteryourself #schizophreniaawareness #mentalillnessrecovery #mentalillnesstreatment #motherdaughter #brainhealth 

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

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On those days when the sky seems to press down with a weight that's almost tangible, I, Diana Dirkby, understand the unique struggle of navigating life's lows with schizophrenia. Our latest heartfelt conversation delves into the complexities of managing such days, offering personal anecdotes and strategies that have proven invaluable in maintaining equilibrium amidst the chaos. It's not about battling depression but addressing that all-too-familiar sense of discouragement that can suddenly hijack our plans and intentions.

Throughout our talk, I share the therapeutic benefits of engaging in small, manageable tasks—like bill-paying or decluttering—that not only serve to keep life's necessities in check but also provide a surprising mood boost. As the day winds down, I reflect on the comfort found in simple pleasures and the company of loved ones; for me, it's the time spent with my husband, whether we're watching movies or enjoying the start of baseball season. Together, we explore how embracing such moments of care and connection can fortify us against the unpredictability of low days and serve as powerful tools for those of us consciously maneuvering through life with schizophrenia.

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #schizophrenia #paranoidschizophrenia #schizoaffective #mentalillness #psychosis #depressionsawareness #fictionwriting #family #relationships #nomorestigma #fightthestigmaofmentalillness #letstalk #lookafteryourself #schizophreniaawareness #mentalillnessrecovery #mentalillnesstreatment #motherdaughter #brainhealth 

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

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Schizophrenia is a condition often shrouded in misconception, and it can be challenging to take the winding road to finding the right treatment. In this podcast episode, I delve into the personal relationship one must foster with their psychiatrist and the crucial role of accurate diagnosis. My novel "The Overlife: A Tale of Schizophrenia" echoes, in its character Sarah who narrates the novel, my real-life encounters with misdiagnosis and the revelatory moment when proper treatment began to turn the tides. 

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #schizophrenia #paranoidschizophrenia #schizoaffective #mentalillness #psychosis #depressionsawareness #fictionwriting #family #relationships #nomorestigma #fightthestigmaofmentalillness #letstalk #lookafteryourself #schizophreniaawareness #mentalillnessrecovery #mentalillnesstreatment #motherdaughter #brainhealth 

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

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Discover the often-hidden signals that herald the onset of stress as I continue to share my journey with paranoid schizophrenia in this podcast. I offer an intimate look at my techniques for managing anxiety, a well-known trigger for aggravated symptoms of mental illness. My account includes the physical manifestations of stress I experience, such as numbness in my tongue and lips, and the strategies I employ to regain equilibrium. Whether indulging in the comfort of movies or meticulously preparing for unavoidable commitments, my approach is relatable and actionable.

Navigating the demands of work and family life while coping with a mental health condition is a tightrope walk many can relate to. In this heartfelt discussion, I impart practical advice for dealing with stress in various settings, from the solitude of remote work to the bustling university-level research and teaching environment. I emphasize the importance of preparation, self-awareness, and clear communication with colleagues and loved ones. I hope listeners will find solace and guidance in this podcast episode, understanding that there are effective ways to maintain well-being and functionality even amidst challenges.

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #schizophrenia #paranoidschizophrenia #schizoaffective #mentalillness #psychosis #depressionsawareness #fictionwriting #family #relationships #nomorestigma #fightthestigmaofmentalillness #letstalk #lookafteryourself #schizophreniaawareness #mentalillnessrecovery #mentalillnesstreatment #motherdaughter #brainhealth

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

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Discover the surprising ways support can materialize when you least expect it as I, Diana Dirkby, delve into the heart of living with schizophrenia and confronting its associated stigma. Through heartfelt reflections and through observing the likes of Elyn Saks and Michelle Hammer, we unravel the complexities of mental illness and the varied reactions it can provoke. From the unfathomable paradoxes posed by those nearest to us to the resilience required to navigate societal misconceptions, this episode becomes a sanctuary for honest dialogue about the turbulent journey of mental health awareness.
 
 Embark on a storytelling voyage that transcends discussion of the obvious and ventures into the transformative power of fiction to challenge and educate. As we traverse my accounts from academia to community encounters, we expose the unexpected allies who emerge from the most unlikely places—reminding us that understanding and compassion can defy educational and social backgrounds. Join us for an episode that shares the intricate dance of revealing one's mental health struggles and celebrates the strength found in the collective voices calling for a stigma-free world.

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

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Imagine grappling with the shadows of your mind while being the only beacon of light for a terror-stricken town. This episode unveils the eerie and myth-laden world of my upcoming thriller horror novel, "Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies." The tale promises to bind you with its suspense as academic and classicist Isabel Morse, who navigates life with paranoid schizophrenia, becomes the unexpected hope in a small East Texas community plagued by the nightmarish abduction of three teenagers.

The conversation transcends mere storytelling to showcase the potency of human resilience. As I share with you, the listener, it becomes evident that life's richness goes beyond the confines of schizophrenia or any other challenge. The essence of this episode lies in the portrayal of Isabel not just as a character managing schizophrenia but as an individual whose expertise in Greek mythology becomes crucial in a high-stakes game set by the kidnappers. Be prepared to be enthralled by a narrative that honors the depth of human experience and the struggle against the darkness that seeks to define us.

#schizophrenia #kidnapping #sibling #greekmyths #siblingabuse #families #familyrelationships #thriller #horror

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

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Navigating the stormy seas of stress is a voyage I'm all too familiar with, especially as someone living with Paranoid Schizophrenia. On my latest podcast episode, Schizophrenia as I Live it, I, Diana Dirkby, recount a chapter of my life where stress loomed like an uninvited guest, knocking on the door of my mental stability. During this candid discussion, I peel back the curtain on my recent struggles with a barrage of unforeseen stressful events. I share the intimate details of how I managed to maintain my equilibrium, employing a strategy that involved meticulous prioritization of tasks and a keen awareness of my need to occasionally retreat into relaxation and distraction.

Medication, often a cornerstone of managing my condition, served as a faithful ally in the battle against stress-induced relapse. Yet, it's the delicate dance of staying abreast of responsibilities while vigilantly protecting my well-being that I believe can resonate with many of you. This episode isn't just my narrative; it's a beacon of hope demonstrating the resilience one can muster in the unpredictable journey of mental illness. As I continue to grapple with the aftermath of these events, join me in understanding that while we may not always have control over the stress that finds us, we do have a say in how we respond and persevere.

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #schizophrenia #schizoaffective #mentalillness #psychosis #depressionsawareness #fictionwriting #family #relationships #nomorestigma #fightthestigmaofmentalillness #letstalk #schizophreniaawareness #mentalillnessrecovery #mentalillnesstreatment #motherdaughter #brainhealth #australia

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

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Living with schizophrenia isn't a journey walked alone, and the podcast episode, recorded by Bek La, Star Royal, and Monika Caesar for the Ikon Institute in Australia, "Schizophrenia and the Self: Living Beyond Diagnosis," is a testament to that truth. The podcast features myself, Diana Dirkby, a published author with firsthand experience of schizophrenia, not only personally but also through her mother's battles. Alongside her, the distinguished Professor Elyn Saks brings a dual lens of expertise in mental health law and her coping strategies for managing schizophrenia's symptoms. Rounding out our guest list is Elyn's best friend, Steve, who offers an ethical and psychological perspective on mental health practices, adding depth to our understanding of this multifaceted condition.

Our discussion traverses the rocky terrain of stigma, the silent adversary for many battling mental health conditions. Elyn and Diana bravely share their encounters with societal misconceptions and the perseverance it took to seek treatment and thrive. They stress the importance of having robust support systems and healthcare providers who listen and respond with tailored treatments. Their narratives aren't just stories; they are blueprints for hope and a call to action for greater empathy and acceptance of those with mental health challenges across all cultures.

The power of personal autonomy in the treatment of schizophrenia emerges as a theme, underscoring the value of advanced care directives and supported decision-making. Elyn's poignant stories of friendship and acceptance, alongside Diana's insights, illuminate a path forward that includes kindness, respect, and self-care. This episode isn't just an exploration; it's a rallying cry for supporting those with schizophrenia in maintaining hope and discovering coping mechanisms that lead to a fulfilling life. Join us as we celebrate the strength it takes to live beyond a diagnosis and the small acts of kindness that can make a profound difference.

#mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #schizophrenia #schizoaffective #mentalillness #psychosis #depressionsawareness #fictionwriting #family #relationships #nomorestigma #fightthestigmaofmentalillness #letstalk #schizophreniaawareness #mentalillnessrecovery #mentalillnesstreatment #motherdaughter #brainhealth #australia

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

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Cracked ribs and broken toes didn't stop me, Diana Dirkby, an author living with paranoid schizophrenia, from reaching a thrilling milestone in my journey as an author. Join me as I recount the harrowing slip that led to physical hurdles yet propelled me to complete my latest manuscript, "Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies." 

As I navigate the intricate dance of preparing for my annual trek to Alaska, I'm also taking you through the evolution of my works, including the well-received "The Overlife: A Tale of Schizophrenia." 

Please expect to be captivated by the elements of mystery and horror that bind my new book's narrative while also getting a glimpse into the dichotomy of my life as a writer with schizophrenia. Once settled in the Alaskan wilderness, you can anticipate the return of our more routine explorations into this complex mental health condition. Please stay tuned for what we promise to be an enlightening continuation of our shared journey.

#families #relationships #siblings #schizophrenia #mentalhealth #abuse #siblingabuse

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