What is DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) and What it means to me....

Doctor's, the medical opinions of physicist: What is DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder)? Also known as Multiple Personality Disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) one of the essential features of DID is full dissociation (switching) between distinct personality states. In addition at least two personality states routinely control behavior with an associated state dependent memory (amnesia between personality states).  Daniel_J._Siegel describes clinical dissociation as "blocking access to memory and emotions, bodily numbness or impairments to the continuity of consciousness across states of mind."

Individuals diagnosed with DID frequently report severe physical and sexual abuse as a child. 

The real Sybil The movie really does not
explain the positives of DID Just negative

Better said by http://www.strangerinthemirror.com/dissociative.html
Dissociation is a common defense/reaction to stressful or traumatic situations. Severe isolated traumas or repeated traumas may result in a person developing a dissociative disorder. A dissociative disorder impairs the normal state of awareness and limits or alters one's sense of identity, memory or consciousness. Once considered rare, recent research indicates that dissociative symptoms are as common as anxiety and depression, and that individuals with dissociative disorders (particularly Dissociative Identity Disorder and Depersonalization Disorder) are frequently misdiagnosed for many years, delaying effective treatment.  In fact, persons suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder often seek treatment for a variety of other problems including depression, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, alcohol or drug abuse, temper outbursts, and even hearing voices, or psychotic symptoms.  People with dissociation often also seek treatment for a variety of medical problems including headaches, unexplained pains, and memory problems. Many people have symptoms that have gone undetected or untreated simply because they were unable to identify their problem, or were not asked the right questions about their symptoms.  Because dissociative symptoms are typically hidden, it is important to see a mental health professional who is familiar with recent advances in the ability to diagnose dissociative disorders through the use of scientifically tested diagnostic tests.

What is DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) to me :
DID is my DIG (Dissociative Identity Gift) When I was a child I was abused and needed away to cope, away to live so that I would have a life. To get married, To have a family, To full fill my dreams. I needed to survive in away many do not understand. What DIG has done for me. I went to HS and then College. I built a career that I would love. Working whit children . Because my brain created away for me to grow we also created a way to function- some are sociable, some are creative, some are very educated, some of us drive to get from one place to another. With out My individuals I would not be able to work or provide a safe home for my future children. Do I have ups and down of course. Don't we all? Does that make me incompetent? Myself and my system does every thing like a person who does not have this disorder the difference. I lose time while another take over to help with what I stress with, I have flashback and terrible memories  and I struggle with what I am feeling but with support and therapy I am able to understand and cope with what ever comes my way. I want you all to understand what DID really is. not what the media, movies, therapist think it is. I have 19 others inside living and helping, maybe that sounds crazy, but here is a question. What about you? Just because you do not have DID does that mean you are normal because society says so? How about those who believe in God are they normal because they believe in what they can not see? Maybe we should take the time to really understand, not judge or believe all you watch in the movies and read in books. I am 34 years old. I ran business for 10 years, I have been a foster parent, I have healthy relationships, if you did not know about my DIG you would think I am normal as society as labeled all of us as. So now I will stop the labeling and Stop be called a disorder but a Gift that many wish they could have.

Alter/ Individuals and there jobs found this on a web page and figure I share it.......

The Host (The Main) This one is the "person" who is normally in charge of the body, and the one who manages the person's life. Almost always uses the "real" name (the legal name) and many times isn't aware of having alters until many years have passed. From the moment of the dissociation until the alters start coming out, doesn't normally show signs of DID. Normally doesn't even remember the trauma (if existed) that caused DID. The host is many times the "owner" of the life they built, so it's common to let him have the last word on decisions regarding the way of living. In most cases is a person of low self-esteem, prone to depression and very dependent. Usually hides their depression and seems to be an abnormally happy and extroverted person, in some extreme cases. Sometimes is in constant need of affection, love and approval, always wanting someone to tell them that what they do is right. If someone tells themm they did something wrong, they may get really upset, sad and depressed. Therefore, many times just keep a low profile and try to act just like they "are supposed to", never standing out; or just the opposite, always standing out, just to be popular and feel accepted. Inside the system, the host is commonly the one who makes the rules, as this is often the Original as well (or the original is not ready to take over that responsibility). This will be the one who you will meet and get to know in the first place, even before you know about their DID. From time to time, some alters may act just like this one, especially before you know about them. Pay a lot of attention on any changes you see (personality, expression, voice, likes/dislikes) to know when someone else is out. This will most surely be the one you are in a relationship with. Although the main is out most of the time, the rest of the alters can easily take control if they want, so this one is usually a weak personality.

The Original (NOTE: The original and the host sometimes are the same person. This section is mainly directed for the cases when they are different alters. If they are the same person, read "The Host") This alter can be called "the real one" (though every single alter is as real as this one), this one is the person that was born (the rest of the alters are persons that were somehow created during the dissociation), and, therefore, the person who took the trauma (if existed). Because of this, this is the normally most fragile one, and the most important one for the rest of the alters, so is the most guarded one. If you have the chance of meeting him (sometimes not even the host is in touch with him) be very careful. You will be experiencing something truly important, meaning that the whole system trusts you completely. Don't prove them wrong, just show the original that you're worthy of that trust. Any mistakes may cost you their trust, their love, or even worse. But, if you can prove them that you deserve them, you will be helping the whole system a lot. In some cases, the original is frightened and won't let anyone come near him, some other times the original is the "creator" and the supreme ruler of the inner world. No matter what the case, the original usually has the power (consciously or not) to control everything that happens inside, so can create objects and control the environment so that no-one will come near unless he allows it. As he has that power, has the strongest personality possible, so will come out whenever he (again, consciously or not) desires it; but, still, doesn't usually come out, because of his wounds and fears.


The Protector (The Older brother) This type of alters normally act as a parent or older brother, protecting and defending the system, but especially the original and the host. Their personality can vary, but usually becomes the knight in the shiny armor when someone in the system is being bullied. Normally there are 2 kinds of Protectors (depending on the system, there may be only one, or both of them): The first kind of protector will try to eliminate the threat. If the threat is a person, will try to stop them, or scare them away (can become quite aggressive and violent, if needed). The second kind of protector will try to save the weaker alters by taking all the pain and injuries to himself. Both of them will often take over when the main is under danger, but the first type will be defiant and will be easy to notice that the host is no longer under control; while the second one is often submissive and will try to act just like the main. Usually one of the first alters to appear and introduce himself to the host. As a protector (especially the first type), thy will often see the host's boyfriend/girlfriend as a threat, and will try to scare them away. That is the most common reason why most relationships end, when the SO doesn't know about the person's DID, as this tactic is especially effective when the Protector impersonates the hsot. Be careful, but don't be intimidated, they wont hurt you because the host doesn't want you to get hurt, and the Protector only does what's best for the host. Also, try not to argue with them (pay attention and you'll learn to notice when the Protector is out) and DON'T get angry at the host for the Protector's actions/words. This will only prove that you ARE bad for the system, so they will never stop trying to make you go away. As I said, these alters do what they think is best for the host, so prove them that you only want to make the main happy and help them. If you can do it, they may come to you when there is something wrong that they can't fix, and will always help you keep your beloved one happy. As this alter is meant to take all pain, will take over in difficult situations or when other alters ask them for help. In other moments, they have a medium strenght personality.

 The Rational one ("Consciusness") Usually seems emotionless most of the time, or at least, not driven by emotions. In many cases doesn't have a defined gender. Thinks about everything rationally, sees everything in an objective way. Some people call them "The Inner Self Helper (ISH)". Most of their advices are the best you can find, knows a lot about the host, the original and the system itself. The one who looks after the whole system and makes evrything work perfectly. Very supportive and well informed, in many cases knows a lot more than what is said. This one can be fully trusted, will help both you and your SO understand everything that's going on. If you get on well with this alter, they will become a powerful ally whenever there is some kind of problem. Never doubt about asking this one for help, especially when it's about som other alter. They know the way things work, so they can take over whenever they want. One of the strongest personalities, which sometimes makes them the only one who can stop a provoked "Angry". In many cases makes sure that the basic rules are followed. Usually obeyed by most alters.


The Angry one(The violent/aggressive one) This alter is often created from anger, frustration and hatred that are not correclty expressed by the host. In many cases is male, or a female with some man-like attitudes. Doesnt show many emotions, usually boredom or anger. Sometimes cares about the host a lot, but doesn't show it. Primarily impulse-driven, in (only) some cases doesn't even care about the consecuences of their actions. Can become very violent and dangerous if they are provoked. It's best to let them express themselves in a controlled situation, to avoid any dangerous explosions. Often doesn't get on well with the rest of the alters. Follows the rules, but only to some extent. Try to get on well with this one, and you'll avoid a lot of problem. No matter what, try to never make him angry, or both you and your beloved one will be in trouble. If the person gets really angry, may lose control, and the Angry one could take over and become violent. If this happens, that person's body strenght may even become a lot higher than usual. This alter is also relly good using the body, so normally isn't bothered by pain (often even likes it) and can be unexpectedly agile and fast. If you're not the cause of their anger, try to make everyone stay away from the person in this state, and, only if you're sure you can, try to stop him until he calms down. This way you will protect both other people and the DID person as well, but know that you're risking yourslef by doing this. If you're the cause of their anger, make everyone stay away and stay away yourself. Dont go anywhere near the person or anyone else. Talk with him to calm him down, ask the Host or the Rational for help, but don't try anything, you'll have enough just trying to keep yourself safe. They have strong personalities, but don't like to come out in front of people, unless they feel really angry. If they are, only the strongest ones may be able to stop them, if you're lucky.


The Sexual one(Seducer/Lusty) Usually a woman, but can be male, homosexual, bisexual or not have any defined gender. Normally takes the role of Sexual Protector. Can have unbelivable different personalities that vary in each DID case. They have a lot of lust, and therefore will be constantly (can be "usually/often", "sometimes", depending on the case) trying to have sex. Not much to write about, can be emotional or rational, can have normal personalities not otherwise different, but many times are very intelligent. They dont usually show their feelings, but can be VERY sensitive. The reasons of them wanting sex can vary: Of course it can be just lust (especially when the host supresses sex in their life), but many times are because of sexual abuse, and in most cases, they see themselves as nothing but "sex machines". If this is the case, this is often the one with the deepest wounds, and needs to be shown that there is love an affection, appart from sex. In some cases, no matter how much they want it, sex can be really bad for them, as it can just prove them that they are nothing but sexual tools, or they can even be re-living their abuse. BE CAREFUL for many reasons. First, if you are dealing with a victim of abuse, normally you will need to show her love, without sex, always keep her in a protective environment and never do anything that can make her feel unsafe. It is very important to build a solid relationship based on trust, so never lie to this one (well, just, never lie to any of them) and never break any promises. If you are a couple, you will have to pay a lot of attention and make sure if sex is just sex, or if it's something very bad for her. Appart from that issue, you also have to be careful with your couple. Most likely, your actual couple will be the host, and not this one. If that's te case, you will probably have to talk with your couple, and come to an agreement if you having sex/kissing/dating this alter is OK, or if it is cheating. That depends mainly on the host (likely your couple), so talk openly about that. Some people with DID consider thir couples to be dating all of the alters as a whole, and some consider them to be dating just one alter, usually the host. Sexual alters aren't usually too strong, and will come out in a sexual environment only at beggining, and as they become more confident, may come out in some safe situations. So, weak personality.


The Kids(The children, The little ones) These alters seem to be present in almost every case of DID. Sometimes their age can vary depending on the day, sometimes they can have the same age for years. There may be one or a lot. Most of them are just like any other children. They are completely innocent, but also really sensitive, and can be easily hurt. If they are hurt, they usually can't deal with that, so truly hurting one of these little ones often means that the whole system will go through a lot of problems like depression, trust issues and a lot more. Although they are just kids, they can be incredibly intelligent, and know a lot about the system. But, obviously, they should always be kept away from topics that aren't wise for children to see, especially sex-related topics. The rest of the alters are normally really protective with these ones, sometimes even the Angry ones. Treat them like children. You may have to explain a lot of things to them, and they may not understand complicated things, and will ask some questions that are very difficult to answer. Do your best, be comprehensive and patient, and NEVER break a promise or lie to them. For them, most of the times things are just "black" or "white", good or bad, so if you lie, you will be "bad" and you may never recover their trust. Never hurt one of this ones either, or you will not only see the problems listed above, but also the whole system's anger. Once you get used to them, you'll realize  they are one of the easier alters to please. As any child, they like sweets, chocolates, teddy bears, sometimes flowers, and the like. They may like to draw or have some other simple hobby, so as long as you provide them with what's necessary for that, they will be happy with you. If they trust you, they may innocently tell you important things that none of the other alters would ever say, so always listen careful to them, as they usually cant lie (or at least, without you noticing) They don't have strong personalities, so they will only come out when they're allowed, usually when everything is OK and they are alone or with someone safe.
*NOTE: There can be some alters with the age of a kid who don't behave like children. Those alters should not be seen as the ones described in this section, but as the type they fit in the most.


The Suicidal (Self destroyer) Present in most systems, this is an alter that will try to destroy the system, usually by killing the body. Usually sees death as a relief from suffering or does't see the point on living. Not much to say, commonly depressive and sad, sometimes uses drugs or alcohol to avoid pain instead of death, or self-mutilation to ease emotional pain. In some other cases, will not try to die, but be self-destructive in other ways, like messing with the host friends, family or life. It's very important for the host to have a good communication with this one, to keep those impulses controlled. You should show this alter that Life is Worth Living, so try to make him see the good aspects of things, treat him nicely, show him affection, make him trust you, make him happy (harder than it sounds). But, as this is probably the most dangerous alter, always be careful, keep him from harmful things, watch him closely, pay especial attention to his words to know if he's lying (and if he is, be twice as careful) and be ready to help if anything bad happens. If you believe there is one of this alters in the system, it is highly reccomended to take a First Aid class (intensive one, if possible) and always have a first aid kit and an emergency number at hand. Keep your guard up, just one second may be enough for him to put their life at risk. Weak personality, but ready to take over when the system is in pain or depressed, or when he sees a good chance of committing suicide.


Other alters Here I will list other less common alters that I know about, open for suggestions
Pets Well, most families have pets, and that happens also on the inside ^-^ In some systems, there are different animals that are just that, animals. They are usually the pet of the system, and has to be taken care of just like a real animal (be careful if it's a wild, dangerous animal )
Objects In some systems there are objects with consciousness, so they're not normal objects. For example, talking objects, or a notebook that writes itself.
Emotion Alters Some alters are there to express just one emotion or state, just like the Angry one, but in different and less common examples, it could be "Emotional impulse/Irrationality" or "Innocence".
Changing Alters not so much a category in itself, but a characteristic some alters have. Sometimes, an alter can change shapes, disguise like a different alter or even objects, or it could change age or gender, or even have extremely different personalities depending on the day.
Body Alters In some cases, there can be an alter that represents the body, so this one will always know what is wrong with it and how to fix it, and will always insist on taking care of it. It's not so much an emotional supportive alter, but one who tries to take care of the body itself (as in many DID cases the person is too busy with emotional issues to take good care of it). As a representative of the body, sometimes can control parts of the body at will, even when some other alter is out.
Subconscious Alters These are the alters that can access the subconscious at will, so they are usually the guardians of the memories and some other "top secret" thoughts. Usually very strict and reserved (Many times this role overlaps with the Protectors or Rational ones).

The Spectrum Of Dissociative Identy Disorder.

The dissociative spectrum extends from normal dissociation to poly-fragmented DID.

Normal Dissociative – Researchers and clinicians believe that dissociation is a common, naturally occurring defense against childhood trauma. Children tend to dissociate more readily than adults. Faced with overwhelming abuse, it is not surprising that children would psychologically flee (dissociate) from full awareness of their experience.

Dissociative Amnesia- Loss of memory may result from wartime trauma, a severe accident, or rape. Dissociative Fugue is indicated by not only loss of memory,but also travel to a new location and the assumption of a new identity.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)- although not officially a dissociative disorder (it is classified as an anxiety disorder),can be thought of as part of the dissociative spectrum. In PTSD, recall/re-experiencing of the trauma (flashbacks) alternates with numbing (detachment or dissociation), and avoidance.

Disorders Not Otherwise Specified (DDNOS)- does not fit the full criteria for any of the specifically identified subtypes, which include depersonalization disorder, dissociative amnesia, dissociative fugue, and dissociative identity disorder. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems.

Dissociative Identy Disorder DID- Its when there are two or more distinct identities pr personality states that take control of behaviors at least two personalities one maybe the host with some or all memory loss.

Ploy Fragmented DID- Rather than splitting into three or four alter parts, someone with polyfragmented DID might fragment into 100 or even 1,000 alter parts.Many of these alter parts might be personality fragments, which means that they are more one-dimensional than three-dimensional.

Ways to Help with Flashbacks

#1 -Walking: Walk carefully, mindfully around the room. Mindful walking can be slow or brisk. The goal is to be fully present with each step as you take it. Bring your attention to the actual sensations of walking. Notice how the heel, then the ball of your foot makes contact with the floor as you walk. Notice the bend in your knees, the flex in your toes, the shift in your weight with each step you take. When your attention wanders, bring it back to your walking. Center yourself in your body and be present in the moment. Count ten steps, and ten more, and ten more, until you feel calmed.

#2 - Writing / Saying Positive Statements: Develop several grounding statements that remind you that you are safe and provide you with comfort. You may want to write the statements on a small piece of paper or “flashcard” and carry them around in your wallet. You may want to write the statement on a larger piece of paper that you will hang on a wall in your home. Write your statements in a color that represents safety and strength to you. You can say the statements out loud, or simply read or think them. Examples of grounding statements include:- “This feeling will soon pass.” - “You are no longer a child. You are an adult now, and the abuser is not here - “You are strong; you are brave.

Develop your own grounding statements, ones that have special meaning for you.

#3 - Breathing: The breath serves wonderfully as a focus for your attention. Think of it as an anchor that holds you in the present moment and guides you back to the here and now when your mind wanders to the past. By bringing awareness to your breathing, you are reminding yourself that you are here now. Breathe in and attend to the feeling of breathing in; breathe out and attend to the feeling of breathing out. You may want to focus on the air coming in and out of your nostrils or on your abdomen expanding and contracting as you breathe. You may want to count ten breaths on the exhale, and keep counting groups of ten breaths until you feel calmed. You may also want to use calming, grounding statements as you breathe, like:- Inhaling, “I am breathing in calm.” or “ I am breathing in good energy.”- Exhaling, “I am breathing out anxiety,” or “I am breathing out bad energy.”

#4 - Hold, look at, listen to and/or smell a object: Objects may be distinguished by their smell, shape, weight, sound, or texture. Any object that comforts you, that helps you to remember that you are in the present, rather than the past, can be a grounding object. Some examples are:* A smooth stone that you’ve found on the beach* A bell that, when you ring it, has a soothing sound* A piece of sandpaper with a course texture* A photograph of a beautiful scene or of loved ones* A small vial of a pleasant fragrance* A piece of jewelry, like a ring or bracelet* A picture that you’ve drawn of a scene that represents safety and comfort.

You may want to hold, look at, smell, listen to your object while engaged in one of the other techniques. For example, you can hold your stone while repeating your positive statements, while walking mindfully, or while doing breathing. This way, you strengthen the properties of your object because it becomes associated with other experiences of comfort and safety. If your object is small enough, you can carry it with you wherever you go. Knowing that you have access to a small oasis of calm and comfort right there can help.

#5 - Visual *Make Eye Contact With A safe Person*: Scan the room to remind yourself that you are here now.* Don’t direct your gaze downward: Look up, look out, look around.

#6 - Writing / Saying Statements: Develop several g statements that remind you that you are in the now and words that provide you with comfort. You may want to write the statements on a small piece of paper or “flashcard” and carry them around in your wallet. You may want to write the statement on a larger piece of paper that you will hang on a wall in your home. Write your statements in a color that represents safety and strength to you. You can say the statements out loud, or simply read or think them. Examples of statements include:- “This feeling will soon pass.” - “You are no longer a child. You are an adult now.” - “You are strong; you are safe now.”