DID Did

[AshedPotatoes]

Hey, so I was just formally diagnosed with this very recently. I was just wondering if anyone knows how common it is for one to have both PTSD and DID. I realize both relate to trauma, and I'd just like to hear what you guys have to say about this.

 

[circe47]

I was wondering the same thing myself. Personally, I think the two go hand in hand, to a degree. For example, when I had my "breakdown" a couple of years ago, I don't remember it, much. My sister says she taped me during that time and the person she taped and witnessed WAS NOT HER SISTER. I also look back on myself over the years, and what I remember about who I was THEN is not who I really am at the core NOW. I sort of see myself in the past as someone who had to "be" a certain way in order to "satisfy" the environment I was in at the time. Dissociating is hallmark symptom of the avoidance aspect of PTSD. How severe it is depends on the level of traumas and current stressors that run it along a continuum.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Is it one of those things where those with DID also have PTSD, but not everyone with PTSD has DID? Someone posted that personality fragmentation has to start in early childhood, so if this is true, anyone traumatized later on in life may have dissociation issues, but not full DID.

 

[Abstract]

From what I know some people theorise that DID is really an extreme form of PTSD. But putting that aside I would say very few people with PTSD have DID but probably almost all people with DID have PTSD.

We all have different parts and trauma can cause more conflict between them but DID is when the volume is turned up full scale and that starts when the personality is developing.

Also. When we are dissociated in a depersonalised or dissociated trance way our inhibitions can be very suppressed and subconscious much more exposed so can act very out of character and not remember it afterwards. That is a totally different dissociative mechanism to DID.

Some people also theorise that the traumas which have trapped flight, fight, freeze are like teeny tiny versions of DID although it is a totally different ballgame. You can look up structural dissociation (primary secondary tertiary) if you are interested.

 

[circe47]

I think that what SOL and Abstract say is absolutely true. I know for certain there are different personalities within myself that come into play in any given situation. Possibly co-conscious DID? My husband even relates differently to my different personalities, depending on my mood or behavior. We even have different names for some of my aspects; i.e. today I am so and so, the next day someone completely different. We sort of make a game of it, find humor in it.

I have a silly, whimsical, impulsive little girl self....a child who takes nothing serious and only wants to play, be cuddled, and make others laugh. I also have my practical self....the adult who gets things done that need to be done, is a responsible, caring mother and wife. I have an aspect that is a survivor.....an angry victim who can't get beyond pain and suffering, that has no tolerance for the abusive, greedy, gossipy, selfish people that I see in every day life. Lastly, I have my mystical, spiritual self....someone that believes in miracles, a higher power, and has an obsessive passion for trying to make the world a better place through the power of love, peace and harmony. None of these aspects blend into a whole, but are very distinct and separate from one another.

 

[AshedPotatoes]

Thanks for your responses. I got a second opinion, and received another diagnosis. Now I'm just confused.