Diary of a Schizophrenic

Book excerpt: Description This book details a journey from illness to recover. In 1998 Paul Fearne experienced a schizophrenic episode. He decided at the time to keep a journal. He was able to record many of the fascinating delusions that were to afflict him. He experiences some common symptoms of schizophrenia, and records their impact on his life. Interspersed amongst these reflections are a number of other remarks on artists, writers and thinkers. He discussed William Blake, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Goethe, Milton Walt Whitman, Homer, Virgil and many others. There are detail analyses and criticisms of their works, as well discussion of the beauties of nature, and reflections upon the craft of writing, amongst other things. As the diary proceeds the writing gets clearer as the psychosis begins to slowly recede. There is even a relative equanimity that arises in the writing later in the diary as the author's happiness returns. About the Author Paul Fearne was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1975. He is currently undertaking a PhD in Philosophy on schizophrenia at LaTrobe University. He suffers from schizophrenia, having had two major episodes - one in 1998 and the other in 2002. He is currently taking medication and has been healthy for a number of years. Paul has previously completed a Masters degree at the University of Melbourne. He is a published poet and philosopher. He has also previously held to the position of president of the University of Melbourne Philosophy Club.