Introduction to Robert Vickens, Author of 'Creative Schizophrenia'

My name is Robert Vickens, and I’m the new author on Creative Schizophrenia. I’ve been diagnosed with schizophrenia and adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I know we can achieve great things when we have the proper support and treatment. That is what my writing will focus on, treatment and support.

Robert Vickens’ First Experience with Schizophrenia

It all began a couple of years ago when I started having delusions of grandeur in 2020. I thought I was hearing the voice of God in my head giving me instructions and telling me to do things. I would walk past a crowd of people, and paranoia would set in. Catching snippets of their conversations sounded like they were secretly talking to me, guiding me either through God or some evil force. I would walk around aimlessly to hear more instructions, and when I needed some quiet time, I would walk the beach to get away from people. One night I walked for seven or eight miles looking for the beach. I walked past my friend Amalia’s death site and began to hear her voice telling me, “Keep going; don’t give up.” 

Her voice would later become a familiar voice in my head, guiding me in times of solace.

I finally found the beach and, in a fit to remove my identity, threw away my wallet, laptop, and work shirt, and I slept there all night. The next few years would be all about the voices in my head.

Treatment for Schizophrenia for Robert Vickens

After my first diagnosis, I was reluctant to take my medication. I suffered for it in 2021 and had another four-month-long psychotic episode. Then, I started self-harming by burning myself. My family was worried about me and didn’t know what was wrong. It ended with a trip to the hospital. After that, I started regularly taking my medication, and my symptoms improved.

I cope with schizophrenia by taking my medication—including an antipsychotic and ADHD medication—and meditating. In addition, I’ve opened up to my family about my condition and speak to a therapist whenever I feel down. 

Robert Vickens’ Goals for ‘Creative Schizophrenia’

My goal with this blog is to help others coping with schizophrenia see another side to life. For more about my goals for Creative Schizophrenia, watch this:

So many people suffering from this condition don’t have an outlet; I hope my writing becomes an outlet for us. Creative Schizophrenia is a Godsend because I thought I would never write again (just another delusional thought from schizophrenia brain). But now, I’m even a self-published author. My book is titled DARCCI Diaries: A True Tale of Recovery. It’s about my journey through the South Florida recovery system and the pitfalls within the system.

In Creative Schizophrenia, I’ll support you if you agree to support me. That’s all I know so far, so we’ll go on this journey of healing and recovery together.