Schizophrenia As I Live It (audio)
I discuss navigating the labyrinth of paranoid schizophrenia as a personal and Informative journey.
I'm Diana Dirkby, and I'm living with paranoid schizophrenia. In this podcast, I'll open up about my experiences with this complex brain disorder while also providing a comprehensive overview of schizophrenia itself. Despite sharing common symptoms, each individual's journey with schizophrenia is unique. We all seek tools and strategies to manage our symptoms within the context of our unique lives.
As mental health consumers, we are responsible for sharing our experiences openly and honestly. By doing so, we can help combat the stigma associated with schizophrenia. We can empower listeners to understand what psychosis truly feels like, dispelling the fear and misconceptions that often surround it. While a schizophrenic episode can be an intense and overwhelming experience, it's important to remember that the person experiencing it is usually not a threat to others.
Beyond my experiences with schizophrenia, I'll also share aspects of my life that transcend my mental health condition. This serves as a reminder that mental health consumers are multifaceted individuals, not defined solely by their diagnoses.
My fiction novel, "The Overlife: A Tale of Schizophrenia," is based on a deeply personal exploration of my own experiences and those of my mother. It's available as a Kindle and paperback book (visit https://www.amazon.com/author/diana_dirkby or search for "Diana Dirkby" on Amazon). An audiobook version will be released soon. For more information, please visit my website: https://overliveschizophrenia.com/.
Part 1 of this podcast aired during the prepublication phase of my novel. Now the book has appeared, Part 2 assumes you have access to it. You can still follow along without having read it. However, reading the book will help you understand and appreciate my podcast.
Together, we can break down barriers and promote open conversations about mental health. Thank you for joining me on this journey.
#schizophrenia #psychosis #schizoaffective #caregiver #schizophreniaawareness #schizophreniarecovery #schizophreniasupport #schizophreniatreatment #schizophreniahelp #schizophreniamanagement #brainhealthadvocate #brainhealthsupport #brainhealthisimportant #brainhealthawareness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalhealthsupport #mentalillnesstreatment #mentalhealthmanagement #family #relationships #motherdaughter #daughtermother #fiction #fightthestigmaofmentalillness #fightthestigma
Schizophrenia As I Live It (audio)
Avoiding the Noise: Tips for Distraction-Free Creative Writing
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
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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
Hello. Today we're going to talk about avoiding the noise, tips for distraction-free creative writing. Creative writing requires focus, but distractions are everywhere. Notifications, mental clutter or the chaos of a busy environment. To write productively, you must create a distraction-free space where ideas can flow. For some, like those with schizophrenia, managing both external and internal noise is even more critical. Here's how to establish a distraction-free writing routine and explore tools that can improve your focus. Curate your environment:
Diana Dirkby:A cluttered space often leads to an untidy mind. Choose a quiet, minimalist writing spot, whether it's a dedicated desk or a cozy corner. For writers with schizophrenia, sensory overload can increase distractions, so consider using noise-cancelling headphones or soft background music to block out disruptive sounds. Keep only essential tools nearby a notebook, a pen or a laptop. Silence digital noise, Phones and social media are the biggest enemies of creativity. Turn off notifications or use apps like Freedom or Cold Turkey to block distracting websites. Switch your device to Do Not Disturb mode for focused writing. When researching, save links for later with tools like Pocket to avoid getting lost in internet rabbit holes.
Diana Dirkby:Manage internal distractions. Internal noise, racing thoughts, self-doubt or, for some symptoms of schizophrenia, like intrusive voices, can derail focus. Consider mindfulness techniques, such as five-minute meditation sessions before writing to help ground yourself. Journaling stray thoughts can also clear mental clutter, creating space for creativity. Set clear intentions before you begin. Establish a clear goal for your session, whether it's a word count, a scene or a brainstorming session. This clarity helps maintain your focus. For writers dealing with schizophrenia, breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts can make productive writing feel less overwhelming. Utilise timers such as the Pomodoro technique to sustain your momentum without burning out. The Pomodoro technique is a time management method that divides your work into 25 minute intervals, known as Pomodoros, followed by short 5 minute breaks. After completing 4 Pomodoros, you take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. This approach aims to enhance focus and prevent burnout by alternating between intense work and brief rest periods. There is a Wikipedia page on the Pomodoro technique.
Diana Dirkby:Leverage writing products to help you focus. The right tools can transform your writing experience. Here are some products to help you remain focused. Scrivener is powerful writing software that helps organize projects and minimises distractions with a full screen mode. I used this software to write my book Three Kidnapped, Three Siblings, Three Furies. Focus@ Will, a music service designed to enhance concentration with scientifically curated tracks. Ommwriter, a minimalist writing app featuring calming visuals and sounds to foster a distraction free environment. I will give web links to all of the above in the episode description. Noise cancelling headphones. Brands like Bose and Sony effectively block external noise, making them ideal for writers in busy households or those with schizophrenia who need a calm environment. I use the AirPods Max.
Diana Dirkby:Establish a routine. Consistency fosters focus. Write at the same time every day to train your brain for creativity. I have emphasized this point in previous podcast episodes and on my blog. Even brief regular sessions can lead to productive writing. For those managing schizophrenia, a predictable routine can also provide stability, making it easier to manage symptoms and stay on track.
Diana Dirkby:Embrace imperfection. Perfectionism is a hidden distraction. Allow yourself to write messy first drafts. The goal is progress, not perfection. This mindset frees you from self-imposed pressure, enabling creativity to flourish. Some final thoughts! Establish a distraction-free writing routine. Requires effort, but the rewards are worth it. You can have productive writing sessions by organising your space, minimising digital and external distractions and utilising writing tools to help you maintain focus. For those like me who write with schizophrenia, these strategies can be adjusted to meet unique challenges, ensuring their voice remains clear despite the noise, Embrace the process and allow your creativity to flourish. Thank you for listening or watching. Thank you for listening or watching. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel, sign up for notifications for this podcast and like my videos. Thank you, Bye-bye.