Dissociative Identity Disorder

[Geisterfahrer]

marlowespirals

I'm scared of psychologists... The idea of someone else knowing what I think frightens me, and I've never been able to be totally honest with anybody about the way my mind works. And I don't have time or money to have a psych.

But I think that if you're worried that you might have DID and you think it will affect your life, and you have the time and money to get a psych and do not get upset by the idea of one getting into your head, you should more than certainly go see one.

I'm not distrustful of them- they're just scary!!! crying They're one of my silly phobias.

No offense to any psychologists or psychology students. I'm sure you're extremely nice. Just not pulling my brain apart!

A lot of people are really scared about seeing psychologists and I think that's because there's a lot of mysticism about it. People don't totally understand the process, which makes it more scary than it needs to be.

For one thing, the psychologist isn't going to know what you think or see inside your brain. You have to remember that they will only know what you tell them. You're the one with the power in the situation. Psychologists really aren't trained to 'get into your head'. So far I haven't taken one class on how to invade people's minds and find out their secrets. They do actually have to tell me things.

Anyone who thinks they have DID should be seeking counseling.
If you don't think you have time, make time.
If you think you can't afford it, call offices and see if they can provide counseling on a sliding scale. Find out what community services are available. Money should not stop you from finding counseling. It is an obstacle, but it can be overcome.

[Geisterfahrer]

Skyorin

While I do believe there is much scientific evidence proving that DID does indeed exist, much of this evidence's validity is questioned.

Source please.

Skyorin

I have no doubt that it is indeed a genuine disorder. And honestly, telling someone something they don't wanna hear but nonetheless must be said is just like pulling off a band aid, best to just get it over with.

I'm not sure what you're talking about. What is it that we should be telling people that they don't want to hear?

[Geisterfahrer]

Sweetpea The Tigress

Geisterfahrer

Sweetpea The Tigress

I do have PTSD and DID. I thought that PTSD was a common co-morbid condition with DID...

My others really don't like being considered as only "parts", but I reckon they are. I am too- which is weird. Even though I'm The Front, and am in front most of the time when we aren't stressed, I was made to be the front- y'know, created for that purpose...

It is, but it's more like PTSD is often diagnosed before DID is diagnosed. DID is usually a better explanation for the symptoms and behaviors that were previously attributed to PTSD.

Let me make sure I'm understanding you correctly. Do you mean that you're normally the one in control but you're not the original identity? I hope you don't mind me asking, does your original identity ever front?

Hmmm.. with me it was the other way around... DID first.
Yeah, you got me right... the original is- how should I put this- deceased...

That's interesting.
Do you mind me asking about how that happened?
I know it's probably very personal and sensitive. I'm just curious.

[Sweetpea The Tigress]

Geisterfahrer

Sweetpea The Tigress

Geisterfahrer

Sweetpea The Tigress

I do have PTSD and DID. I thought that PTSD was a common co-morbid condition with DID...

My others really don't like being considered as only "parts", but I reckon they are. I am too- which is weird. Even though I'm The Front, and am in front most of the time when we aren't stressed, I was made to be the front- y'know, created for that purpose...

It is, but it's more like PTSD is often diagnosed before DID is diagnosed. DID is usually a better explanation for the symptoms and behaviors that were previously attributed to PTSD.

Let me make sure I'm understanding you correctly. Do you mean that you're normally the one in control but you're not the original identity? I hope you don't mind me asking, does your original identity ever front?

Hmmm.. with me it was the other way around... DID first.
Yeah, you got me right... the original is- how should I put this- deceased...

That's interesting.
Do you mind me asking about how that happened?
I know it's probably very personal and sensitive. I'm just curious.

I'll PM you.

[GreyHeartDeadSoul]

Elrin_02

Given the FBI investigation and the indictments of many shrinks who handed out MPD diagnoses... Given the absolutely absurd claims of Satanic torture made by many of the victims...
Given the way the brain *works*...

I simply cannot believe that people contain multiple personalities.


Now, DID may be somewhat different, as the name suggests. While I do not think that you could have two separate 'people' living in your brain, with separate memories, abilities, personalities, etc., who have no knowledge of each other, (the structure of the brain simply defies this,) I do think that it is possible that, under conditions of high stress, certain aspects of your brain might turn 'off' or 'on'.

To draw a benign example, let's say you smell strawberries, and suddenly remember picking strawberries as a child. Up until you smelled the berries, you had no recollection of picking berries as a child, but the scent awakened the memory.

Let's say that you are normally an outgoing, friendly person, but under stress, you become withdrawn and hostile. While under stress, you act differently than you would normally.

Later, when you are not under stress, you act the way you normally would. You might even actively try not to think about the things which happened while you were under stress.

Still later, things get stressful again, and your memories of the past resurface and come flooding back.

It's not that you have different personalities, but that your one personality has different coping strategies for different situations--thus, disassociation.

Oh s**t, that's me for real... 0.o

[Sweetpea The Tigress]

GreyHeartDeadSoul

Elrin_02

Given the FBI investigation and the indictments of many shrinks who handed out MPD diagnoses... Given the absolutely absurd claims of Satanic torture made by many of the victims...
Given the way the brain *works*...

I simply cannot believe that people contain multiple personalities.


Now, DID may be somewhat different, as the name suggests. While I do not think that you could have two separate 'people' living in your brain, with separate memories, abilities, personalities, etc., who have no knowledge of each other, (the structure of the brain simply defies this,) I do think that it is possible that, under conditions of high stress, certain aspects of your brain might turn 'off' or 'on'.

To draw a benign example, let's say you smell strawberries, and suddenly remember picking strawberries as a child. Up until you smelled the berries, you had no recollection of picking berries as a child, but the scent awakened the memory.

Let's say that you are normally an outgoing, friendly person, but under stress, you become withdrawn and hostile. While under stress, you act differently than you would normally.

Later, when you are not under stress, you act the way you normally would. You might even actively try not to think about the things which happened while you were under stress.

Still later, things get stressful again, and your memories of the past resurface and come flooding back.

It's not that you have different personalities, but that your one personality has different coping strategies for different situations--thus, disassociation.

Oh s**t, that's me for real... 0.o

Ahhh, don't worry about it- you're probably just Borderline Personality Disordered... ; ) Sorry.. I'm an idiot. Check out Sidran.org and look at symptoms- you might have PTSD instead of DID... if you have either.

[GreyHeartDeadSoul]

Oh... cool lol... It's fine... I'm not bad off but it does freak me out...

[marlowespirals]

Geisterfahrer

marlowespirals

I'm scared of psychologists... The idea of someone else knowing what I think frightens me, and I've never been able to be totally honest with anybody about the way my mind works. And I don't have time or money to have a psych.

But I think that if you're worried that you might have DID and you think it will affect your life, and you have the time and money to get a psych and do not get upset by the idea of one getting into your head, you should more than certainly go see one.

I'm not distrustful of them- they're just scary!!! crying They're one of my silly phobias.

No offense to any psychologists or psychology students. I'm sure you're extremely nice. Just not pulling my brain apart!

A lot of people are really scared about seeing psychologists and I think that's because there's a lot of mysticism about it. People don't totally understand the process, which makes it more scary than it needs to be.

For one thing, the psychologist isn't going to know what you think or see inside your brain. You have to remember that they will only know what you tell them. You're the one with the power in the situation. Psychologists really aren't trained to 'get into your head'. So far I haven't taken one class on how to invade people's minds and find out their secrets. They do actually have to tell me things.

Anyone who thinks they have DID should be seeking counseling.
If you don't think you have time, make time.
If you think you can't afford it, call offices and see if they can provide counseling on a sliding scale. Find out what community services are available. Money should not stop you from finding counseling. It is an obstacle, but it can be overcome.

I know, I SHOULD seek counseling. I choose not to for the same reason my mother doesn't go in the reptile house at the zoo. Yes, the snakes are behind glass. But she's still in the same room as them. It's a phobia. It's irrational.

[Geisterfahrer]

marlowespirals

I know, I SHOULD seek counseling. I choose not to for the same reason my mother doesn't go in the reptile house at the zoo. Yes, the snakes are behind glass. But she's still in the same room as them. It's a phobia. It's irrational.

You say it's irrational, and yet I've watched you continually try to rationalize it.
I don't think it's a phobia. I think it's resistance, which is very normal.

[PhaedraMcSpiffy]

Geisterfahrer

They feel like real people and I don't think it hurts anything to let them consider themselves to be real people. But I get what you're saying. I always want to scream at the vampire kids that they aren't real. I guess I have more sympathy when it comes to DID.

Yeah, well, it's genuine mental disorder vs.... not a genuine mental disorder.

Maybe some of them are truly delusional, though, and that's sad.

vocalone

I don't have D.I.D. but people very close to me do. It is a very scary thing sometimes. About the Cybil thing weither it being a hoax or not, I think it was real. Considering what happened to her as a child, physical, mental, and sexual abuse by her own mother that would inflict serious damage.

Actually, I've heard some suspicious things about the Sybil case. For instance, she was diagnoses after regressive hypnosis, which (at least according to Gesiterfahrer) has been condemned by modern psychologists.

marlowespirals

I'm scared of psychologists... The idea of someone else knowing what I think frightens me, and I've never been able to be totally honest with anybody about the way my mind works. And I don't have time or money to have a psych.

But I think that if you're worried that you might have DID and you think it will affect your life, and you have the time and money to get a psych and do not get upset by the idea of one getting into your head, you should more than certainly go see one.

I'm not distrustful of them- they're just scary!!! :crying: They're one of my silly phobias.

No offense to any psychologists or psychology students. I'm sure you're extremely nice. Just not pulling my brain apart!

They're not really like that, though. The only way they can know what you think is if you tell them. If that scares you, why tell us anything? We're a bunch of strangers online and a psychologist is a trained professional.

I think you can get a psychologist for cheap or for maybe even for free. I know that insurance helps pay for mine. Maybe you can get public health services?

And I agree 100% with what Geisterfahrer said about this.

Sweetpea The Tigress

My others really don't like being considered as only "parts", but I reckon they are. I am too- which is weird. Even though I'm The Front, and am in front most of the time when we aren't stressed, I was made to be the front- y'know, created for that purpose...

If you're the main personality then you're the one who created them, though. Right?

Quote:

Hmmm... they [psychologists] kind of help you pick your own brain apart...

Quote:

I mean, they obviously see what the problem is, and very gently lead you to it, then see if they can get you to think it through. Its like unraveling knots in yourself- it can be painful, but its a big relief later.

If anything, this.

[Jeorg]

Sweetpea The Tigress

Jeorg

Sweetpea The Tigress

Jeorg

EMDR is especially useful, and quick, in solving the integration involved with EMDR- the sixth in ACT AS IF [if you are wondering, my source is the book I mentioned earlier, by Paulsen]. Perhaps it is not as widespread as would be wanted, but many patients who research it would like to try it in their own therapy. If I were you, I would not begin a practice without EMDR as an attraction offered.

That aside, typical EMDR should never be used on DID/DDNOS sufferers, be they diagnosed or not. Typical EMDR leaves its pathways open, for the patient to heal, but- that is certainly not the case. DID patients often fragment entirely, or near entirety, and so their own EMDR should have the ties slammed shut. I know that my own experience with it, every week for two years, was less than desirable- by the end, I was unable to read basic literature such as 'd**k and Jane', and I was not able to keep my parts of self or my dissociation under any control.
That is the pain I was referring to.

EMDR seems like a very painful thing to me; I'm sorry for what you syuffered. if i couldn't read I'd be utterly miserable... that said, would you recommend this therapy? Does it work, or is it not worth it because of the emotional pain and the dissociative symptoms?

I would recommend EMDR more than any other treatment.

EMDR is a solution, not a means to the problem. I had a considerably naive therapist, who did not have proper training. She failed to diagnose my dissociation before beginning treatment, and had never before taken training until 1.5 years into it.
EMDR is a very speedy treatment, to say the least. Two to three sessions for every traumatised incident versus several years is a significant amount. As awareness for the practice grows, it will become more developed in the ways of dealing with DID patients.

I'm going to talk to my therapist about it. I would like to move things along...

I would be sure to do so. Though they may not be qualified to do so, have the proper training, et cetera. I would go so far as to say it is idealistic to have the therapist administering it also trained in it, though it is not necessary.

[Jeorg]

Geisterfahrer

marlowespirals

I'm scared of psychologists... The idea of someone else knowing what I think frightens me, and I've never been able to be totally honest with anybody about the way my mind works. And I don't have time or money to have a psych.

But I think that if you're worried that you might have DID and you think it will affect your life, and you have the time and money to get a psych and do not get upset by the idea of one getting into your head, you should more than certainly go see one.

I'm not distrustful of them- they're just scary!!! crying They're one of my silly phobias.

No offense to any psychologists or psychology students. I'm sure you're extremely nice. Just not pulling my brain apart!

A lot of people are really scared about seeing psychologists and I think that's because there's a lot of mysticism about it. People don't totally understand the process, which makes it more scary than it needs to be.

For one thing, the psychologist isn't going to know what you think or see inside your brain. You have to remember that they will only know what you tell them. You're the one with the power in the situation. Psychologists really aren't trained to 'get into your head'. So far I haven't taken one class on how to invade people's minds and find out their secrets. They do actually have to tell me things.

Anyone who thinks they have DID should be seeking counseling.
If you don't think you have time, make time.
If you think you can't afford it, call offices and see if they can provide counseling on a sliding scale. Find out what community services are available. Money should not stop you from finding counseling. It is an obstacle, but it can be overcome.

On the point of therapists: It is not entirely absurd to be frightened by therapists, though I do think that 'pulling [a client's] brain apart' is not in the job description.

Therapists are not omniscient or omnipotent by any definition of the word, but, to the client, they are much more. Sitting in the 'victim's chair' [or so I have heard it called] is terrifying, and knowing that you are entrusting your well-being to another human being is even more so.

To know that this person is no more able than you in many respects is no comfort at all. To handle this, many begin to view the therapist as astoundingly perfect, without flaws, and some may develop 'crushes'. It is not that unlikely a prosect.

However, that is not to cast down the practice. For the duration of the therapy, it is beneficial, and trust is much more easy to come by. A word of caution, however: Not all therapists deserve that trust, and should be immediately cast aside because of their capabilities, or lack thereof.

On your second point- very good. I applaude your words. No one retaining DID or DDNOS should allow their condition to worsen.

[Jeorg]

Jeorg

PhaedraMcSpiffy

marlowespirals

I'm scared of psychologists... The idea of someone else knowing what I think frightens me, and I've never been able to be totally honest with anybody about the way my mind works. And I don't have time or money to have a psych.

But I think that if you're worried that you might have DID and you think it will affect your life, and you have the time and money to get a psych and do not get upset by the idea of one getting into your head, you should more than certainly go see one.

I'm not distrustful of them- they're just scary!!! :crying: They're one of my silly phobias.

No offense to any psychologists or psychology students. I'm sure you're extremely nice. Just not pulling my brain apart!

They're not really like that, though. The only way they can know what you think is if you tell them. If that scares you, why tell us anything? We're a bunch of strangers online and a psychologist is a trained professional.

I think you can get a psychologist for cheap or for maybe even for free. I know that insurance helps pay for mine. Maybe you can get public health services?

And I agree 100% with what Geisterfahrer said about this.

I would also like to point out that it is your phobia that drives you to say these words, Marlowe, and likely from no concrete basis. I would not recommend using such an ignorant viewpoint to approach the subject of therapists.

Jeorg

Sweetpea The Tigress

PhaedraMcSpiffy

My others really don't like being considered as only "parts", but I reckon they are. I am too- which is weird. Even though I'm The Front, and am in front most of the time when we aren't stressed, I was made to be the front- y'know, created for that purpose...

If you're the main personality then you're the one who created them, though. Right?

Incorrect. The front was appointed just as any other alter is appointed. There are those that hold anger, fears, shame... And there is the one that is appointed to appear outwardly normal- known as the front. There is no 'head' or 'origin' for a personality or human. It is unrealistic to think of any part as such... Unless you would like to journey back to the very foundations of a human being, and what feeling was created first? But that is also unrealistic in its own sense.

[Sweetpea The Tigress]

PhaedraMcSpiffy

If you're the main personality then you're the one who created them, though. Right?

Ummm...no,I am one of those that was created. I was created to be the front... the "originals" are "dead"...

[Sweetpea The Tigress]

Jeorg

Sweetpea The Tigress

PhaedraMcSpiffy

My others really don't like being considered as only "parts", but I reckon they are. I am too- which is weird. Even though I'm The Front, and am in front most of the time when we aren't stressed, I was made to be the front- y'know, created for that purpose...

If you're the main personality then you're the one who created them, though. Right?

Incorrect. The front was appointed just as any other alter is appointed. There are those that hold anger, fears, shame... And there is the one that is appointed to appear outwardly normal- known as the front. There is no 'head' or 'origin' for a personality or human. It is unrealistic to think of any part as such... Unless you would like to journey back to the very foundations of a human being, and what feeling was created first? But that is also unrealistic in its own sense.

This. Maybe others were created after me, but i didn't create them, the ones before me, or myself... The process is totally subconscious- and not in my subconscious either... If I were to say who created us, i would have to say my body...