There are moments when the world feels unsafe—when cameras seem threatening, when it feels as though you are constantly being watched or followed. At the same time, there may be an overwhelming sense of importance or brilliance, even the belief that you are someone else entirely, such as Princess Diana.
This is the reality of living with delusion.
Welcome to the world of Danny Neal.
Danny experienced a traumatic childhood marked by abuse, which led to a diagnosis of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). Over time, this developed into schizophrenia, a condition he continues to manage with ongoing treatment.
As a child, Danny coped with his environment by internalising his experiences. He learned not to speak about what was happening—pushing everything down as a means of survival.
Today, Danny Neal is a poet, author, and a man who confronts his challenges with determination. He understands that while his conditions may not be cured, they can be managed. Through medication, counselling, therapy, and a strong personal commitment to recovery, he continues to maintain stability.
Born in Scotland in 1997, Danny moved to Australia in 2005. In 2014, he returned to Scotland with his mother. While there, he lived on the Isle of Mull and worked as a massage therapist, though employment opportunities were limited, and he often experienced isolation. He maintains occasional contact with his siblings—an older brother and a younger sister.
In 2023, Danny returned to Australia, relocating to Geelong at the invitation of a friend.
Writing has been central to Danny’s survival. As a child, he created imaginary companions—‘Robot’ and ‘Pudding Boy’—to escape the harsh realities of his life. Through these characters, he found comfort and a sense of belonging, imagining adventures that provided temporary relief from trauma.
Danny has engaged with counselling services since the age of 13, with varying outcomes. By his mid-teens, he became aware of increasing depression and paranoia, alongside difficulties forming friendships.
While studying Mathematics and Physics at the University of Glasgow, the pressures of academic life contributed to the onset of severe psychosis. He experienced positive symptoms such as hallucinations and paranoia, as well as negative symptoms including low self-esteem and depression. Cognitive challenges, particularly with memory, also emerged.
During this period, Danny developed delusional beliefs, including the conviction that he was an exceptional mathematician creating new formulas, and at times believing he was a public figure such as Princess Diana. He was subsequently hospitalised.
Over time, Danny found a medication regimen that helped reduce the intensity of his symptoms. He also began working with mental health professionals who supported his recovery.
His treatment includes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), a psychotherapy approach designed to address trauma and post-traumatic stress.
Writing remains a vital therapeutic outlet. Danny writes daily, often producing rhyming poetry and short stories. While much of his work is deeply personal and not widely shared, it allows him to process his thoughts and emotions in a structured and meaningful way.
In addition to writing, Danny maintains a strong physical routine. He attends the gym almost every day and competes in “Strongman” events, which involve lifting and moving heavy objects. This physical discipline plays an important role in his overall wellbeing.
Danny describes himself as someone who is constantly active—mentally and physically. Meditation has proven difficult, as his thoughts rarely slow down. At times, this intensity can lead to burnout, followed by periods of declining mental health that may require hospital care.
During his most recent episode, Danny experienced heightened paranoia. He became fearful of surveillance and believed people intended to harm him. As his routine began to deteriorate, he recognised the need for support and contacted mental health services. With daily check-ins and an extended stay at a recovery centre, he was able to regain stability.
Danny has since written a children’s book titled UMS & AHS for Sadness!. The idea was inspired by a simple but profound question: if he were to have a child, how would he explain his mental health challenges?
Illustrated by award-winning artist Justine Martin, the book is designed to help children and parents understand emotions such as sadness. It encourages open conversations and promotes safe, healthy ways to express feelings, while reinforcing the message that hope is always present.
UMS & AHS for Sadness! is a gentle and empowering children’s book that opens the door to meaningful discussions about emotional wellbeing.
UMS & AHS For Sadness is the first book in a series, following books will focus on mental struggles such as Anxiety, Psychosis and Obsessions and Compulsions.
The book will be launched on Friday, 10 April 2026 at the Geelong West Neighbourhood House.
For further details, please visit: www.trybooking.com/DKGKP
HuG 