
A Schizophrenic's Guide to Rising Above the Blues
04/10/24 • 16 min
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
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
Previous Episode

A Voyage to Wellness
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
Next Episode

Navigating the Tightrope of Mental and Physical Health in Schizophrenia
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
Schizophrenia As I Live It (audio) - A Schizophrenic's Guide to Rising Above the Blues
Transcript
Hello , my name is Diana Dirkby and you are listening to my podcast , "schizophrenia As I Live It .
Diana DirkbyIn this episode , I want to talk about the days
Diana Dirkbythat we all have , whether we live with schizophrenia or not ,
Diana Dirkbywhich are kind of low
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