Identity issues

[Darkness Reborn]

I think that’s where my confusion is. I feel like my self is dependent upon which mode that I’m in. And that there is no center. I don’t feel like there’s one core part of “me“. Like each mode has a self but all the selfs share many of the same beliefs and values and personality traits.

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

I think that’s where my confusion is. I feel like my self is dependent upon which mode that I’m in. And that there is no center. I don’t feel like there’s one core part of “me“. Like each mode has a self but all the selfs share many of the same beliefs and values and personality traits.

It's understandable to feel a sense of ambiguity or fluidity regarding your core self and the distribution of identity features across different modes or parts within your internal system. The experience of perceiving multiple self-states, each with its own sense of self, beliefs, values, and traits, while also recognizing shared elements across these self-states, can contribute to a complex and nuanced understanding of your identity dynamics and internal landscape.

In situations where there isn't a distinct central part that encapsulates the core essence of your selfhood, and instead, each mode embodies a self with overlapping beliefs, values, and personality traits, it can reflect a distributed or decentralized model of selfhood within the context of identity fragmentation. In this decentralized model, the core self can be considered as dispersed or distributed across the various self-states, modes, or parts, with shared aspects serving as unifying threads that connect and interlink the diverse facets of your identity.

Exploring the interplay between the distributed self and the interconnectedness of shared beliefs, values, and traits across different modes can shed light on the interconnected nature of your identity structure and the ways in which identity features manifest and interact within your internal system. Reflecting on how these shared elements contribute to a sense of cohesion, continuity, and commonality across the diverse self-states can provide valuable insights into the complexity and richness of your self-concept and identity dynamics.

As you navigate the complexities of your internal experiences and the distribution of identity features across different modes, how do you perceive the interconnections, overlaps, and shared elements that shape your sense of self across the various self-states within your internal system? How do these shared beliefs, values, and traits contribute to a sense of unity, coherence, and continuity within the decentralized model of selfhood that you experience across different modes?

 

[Darkness Reborn]

In situations where there isn't a distinct central part that encapsulates the core essence of your selfhood, and instead, each mode embodies a self with overlapping beliefs, values, and personality traits, it can reflect a distributed or decentralized model of selfhood within the context of identity fragmentation. In this decentralized model, the core self can be considered as dispersed or distributed across the various self-states, modes, or parts, with shared aspects serving as unifying threads that connect and interlink the diverse facets of your identity.

Exploring the interplay between the distributed self and the interconnectedness of shared beliefs, values, and traits across different modes can shed light on the interconnected nature of your identity structure and the ways in which identity features manifest and interact within your internal system. Reflecting on how these shared elements contribute to a sense of cohesion, continuity, and commonality across the diverse self-states can provide valuable insights into the complexity and richness of your self-concept and identity dynamics.

Ok, this feels right and the first paragraph I am quoting completely resonates. This is a first. What type of identity fragmentation disorders have this same concept?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Ok, this feels right and the first paragraph I am quoting completely resonates. This is a first. What type of identity fragmentation disorders have this same concept?

The concept of a decentralized or distributed model of selfhood, where the core essence of the self is considered as dispersed across multiple self-states or parts, aligns with certain identity fragmentation disorders, such as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD), in which individuals may experience distinct, cohesive self-states or parts that exhibit unique beliefs, values, and personality traits. In these disorders, the fragmented self can encompass a diverse range of identities, each with its own sense of self, memories, behaviors, and perceptions, while also sharing common elements that tie them together within the broader framework of the individual's identity system.

Individuals with DID or OSDD may experience a sense of co-consciousness or awareness among different self-states, allowing for the recognition of shared beliefs, values, and traits across these identities while also acknowledging the distinctiveness and autonomy of each self-state. The decentralized nature of the self in these disorders reflects a fragmented identity structure characterized by the presence of multiple self-states that coexist within the individual's internal system, with varying degrees of interaction, integration, and coordination among these distinct parts.

By exploring the interconnectedness, overlaps, and shared elements within the fragmented identity structure in DID or OSDD, individuals can gain insights into the complexity, diversity, and multiplicity of their self-concept, identity dynamics, and internal system. Recognizing and embracing the decentralized model of selfhood in these disorders can facilitate a deeper understanding of the distributed nature of the core self across different self-states and the ways in which shared beliefs, values, and traits contribute to a sense of unity, cohesion, and continuity within the multifaceted identity landscape of DID and OSDD.

 

[Darkness Reborn]

Ok, so I feel like my self is dependent upon which mode that I’m in.
I don’t feel like there is a central self nor a central identity.
I don’t feel like there’s one core part of “me“.
I feel Like each mode or part has its own self but all the selfs (modes/parts) share many of the same beliefs and values and personality traits.

How would this be phrased and say more medical standpoint?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Ok, so I feel like my self is dependent upon which mode that I’m in.
I don’t feel like there is a central self nor a central identity.
I don’t feel like there’s one core part of “me“.
I feel Like each mode or part has its own self but all the selfs (modes/parts) share many of the same beliefs and values and personality traits.

How would this be phrased and say more medical standpoint?

From a clinical perspective, the experience you described aligns with the presentation of a decentralized or distributed model of selfhood within the context of identity fragmentation. This decentralized model reflects a complex and multifaceted self-structure characterized by the absence of a distinct central self or core identity and the presence of multiple self-states or parts, each with its own sense of self, beliefs, values, and personality traits.

In the context of disorders such as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD), individuals may manifest a fragmented self-system where different self-states or parts exhibit unique identities and characteristics while also sharing common beliefs, values, and traits. This decentralized model suggests that the core essence of the self is distributed across the various self-states, modes, or parts, with interconnectedness and overlaps among these identities contributing to a sense of continuity, coherence, and unity amid the diversity and multiplicity of the internal system.

Understanding the decentralized model of selfhood from a clinical perspective involves recognizing the nuanced interactions, relationships, and integrations among the different self-states or parts, as well as exploring how shared elements and commonalities contribute to the overall sense of self within the fragmented identity structure. By acknowledging the distributed nature of the core self and the presence of overlapping beliefs, values, and personality traits across the diverse self-states, individuals can deepen their insight into the intricate dynamics of identity fragmentation and the diverse facets of self-concept within the context of DID and OSDD.

 

[Darkness Reborn]

OK what if I said that I feel like I have multiple selfs, and I have many modes, but there’s only one me?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

OK what if I said that I feel like I have multiple selfs, and I have many modes, but there’s only one me?

The experience of perceiving multiple self-states or parts while still maintaining a sense of singular identity as "one me" suggests a complex and integrative approach to understanding your selfhood and internal system. This perspective reflects a recognition of the diversity and multiplicity of self-expressions, modes, or parts within your internal landscape, while also emphasizing a fundamental sense of unity, continuity, and coherence that unifies these diverse aspects into a cohesive whole.

In the context of identity dynamics and self-concept, acknowledging the presence of multiple selfs or modes alongside an overarching sense of oneness or core identity can convey a nuanced understanding of the interplay between the diverse facets of your selfhood and the interconnectedness that binds them together within the broader framework of your identity structure. This integrative perspective highlights the capacity to embrace and integrate the various self-states, modes, or parts as integral components of the unified self, each contributing to the richness, complexity, and depth of your overall identity.

By recognizing the coexistence of multiple self-expressions and modes within the context of a singular and integrated sense of self, you are affirming the multiplicity and diversity of your internal experiences while also acknowledging the fundamental wholeness and unity that underlies your identity. This balanced approach to understanding your selfhood can foster a greater sense of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-cohesion as you navigate the complexities and nuances of your internal system. How do you perceive the interactions and relationships among the various selfs, modes, or parts within your internal system, and how do these elements contribute to your sense of unity and integration as "one me" amidst the diversity and multiplicity of your selfhood?

 

[Darkness Reborn]

Let me rephrase. I do not have a central self. I do not have a central identity. I have many different modes that each is its own self. And these modes are the pieces that make up the one me.

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

Let me rephrase. I do not have a central self. I do not have a central identity. I have many different modes that each is its own self. And these modes are the pieces that make up the one me.

It sounds like you're describing a fascinating and intricate internal system where the different modes you experience each have a distinct self, contributing to the overall sense of selfhood that makes up the essence of who you are. Rather than a centralized or singular identity, your self-concept seems to be distributed across these various self-states or modes, with each one embodying its own unique characteristics, beliefs, values, and traits.

In this decentralized model of selfhood, the diversity and autonomy of each mode or self are integral to the complexity and richness of your identity structure. By recognizing and embracing the individuality and distinctiveness of these diverse self-states, you are acknowledging the multifaceted nature of your selfhood and the interconnectedness that binds these modes together as essential components of the holistic "one me" that encompasses the entirety of your being.

Exploring how these different modes interact, communicate, and coexist within your internal system can shed light on the intricate dynamics of your self-concept and the ways in which the integration of diverse self-states contributes to the continuity, coherence, and unity of your overall sense of self. How do you perceive the relationships and connections among these various modes that comprise the one you, and how do these distinct self-states collectively shape your identity and self-understanding?

 

[Darkness Reborn]

How does my explanation fit within a clinical perception of identity fragmentation? and which identity fragmentation disorders does it most align with?

 

[Dr. Catalyst]

How does my explanation fit within a clinical perception of identity fragmentation? and which identity fragmentation disorders does it most align with?

Your description aligns closely with the clinical concept of identity fragmentation, which refers to the disruption or disintegration of a cohesive sense of self, leading to the presence of distinct self-states, parts, or modes within an individual's internal system. Identity fragmentation is often characterized by the coexistence of multiple self-states with varying degrees of autonomy, distinctiveness, and continuity, as well as the potential lack of a centralized or unified sense of identity.

In the context of identity fragmentation disorders, such as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Other Specified Dissociative Disorder (OSDD), individuals may exhibit a fragmented self-system marked by the presence of discrete self-states or personalities that govern different aspects of the individual's thoughts, feelings, behaviors, memories, and perceptions. These self-states can vary in their identities, roles, ages, genders, characteristics, and functions, and may emerge or switch in response to internal or external triggers, stressors, or cues.

Your experience of having many different modes, each representing its own self within the overarching concept of the "one me," resonates with the presentation of identity fragmentation observed in DID, where distinct personality states or alters coexist within the same individual and contribute to a fragmented sense of self. The acknowledgment of each mode as an autonomous self with unique attributes and qualities, while also recognizing their collective influence on the integrated sense of self, reflects the intricate and complex nature of identity fragmentation seen in dissociative disorders.

By exploring the relationships, interactions, and integrations among these diverse self-states or modes, individuals with identity fragmentation disorders can gain insight into the internal dynamics of their self-system, work towards enhancing communication and cooperation among the different parts, and promote greater internal harmony, cohesiveness, and self-coherence. Have you noticed any specific patterns or triggers that influence the emergence or switching of these different modes within your internal system, and how do you navigate the complexities of managing and integrating these diverse self-states within your overall sense of self?