DID Is dissociative identity disorder real?

[Powder]

Have you read about both? I have read what I could. One book _The Haunted Self_

Link to sample Dead Link Removed

DID should no longer bear stigma under the theory of Structural Dissociation, which says that there is a dissociation spectrum. However, in USA, memory is long for the media-stained hyberbole of what MPD or DID actually is. Rather than deal with the new research, too many North Amercans in USA have a tendency toward an underinformed opinion rather than read what foreigners have discovered. This makes change frustratingly slow and patchy.

If you can set aside taking the vastly patchy opinions of therapists who either do or don't believe in DID as a real phenomenon, and ignore YouTube or any other sensationalizing of it, and focus on the scholarship in the area of dissociation, you'll feel more grounded in a rational discussion of it.

The book is not light reading, but if you go slow and take notes on key terms, like ANP and EP, it will make sense.

I don't know if there is a better set of sources for laypeople, but this one was popular recently on the forum for those curious about structural dissociation. I plan to use my summer break to do further study with my husband on this topic for my own healing.

I'd be happy to share if I can. My issue is that with my dissociation, I get ideas that then fly right out of my head. I can't seem to hold onto my thoughts these days.

 

[BuckarooBanzai]

Yup, it's real. I'm living proof.

Ben

 

[watundah]

My T threw this diagnosis at me a few weeks ago so of course the first thing I did was run to the library and get a book about it. The book implied there are no diagnoses, more theories, in psychology, and I liked that.

I'm a bit frazzled as I am in my 50s and alters don't take over, so what the heck is someone doing, suggesting this to me so far into my life? Rather, the non-dominant inner child hand writing exercise took off and revealed three parts who hold trauma memories that I cannot recall. I guess holding trauma is the difference between IC and alters?? Anyway, I am questioning it's real 'as it applies to me' and my T and I have agreed to not worry about labels as much as continuing to move forward on healing, however this takes place. Interestingly, all three parts want to work on healing. The fact that they only exist when writing seems odd...except for the one that shuts me down in therapy and in some social settings. Is it the right label? I don't know but the words, feelings and ideas spewing out are fascinating and revealing. I'm still trying to make sense of it. My T calls me a very powerful woman, maybe because I kept this group at bay for so long?

 

[BuckarooBanzai]

My T calls me a very powerful woman, maybe because I kept this group at bay for so long?

Not because you kept them at bay, but because you are a multiple, someone with DID.

DID is a creative defense generally used by highly-intelligent and resourcefull people. It is a creative way for a child to take an impossible situation and live to tell the tale as a sane adult.

Your DID is a remarkable acheivement. The fact you have managed it, and so well, is an example of your strength. This is what your therapist referred to.

I had DID. I no longer do. It is nothing to fear. I am grateful to my alters and system for saving me.

Ben

 

[watundah]

I appreciate that, Ben. Thank you for your words.