Dissociative Identity Disorder, formerly called Multiple Personality Disorder, is a condition that is often misunderstood and unfairly stigmatized. Those with DID will tell you that their lives are sometimes difficult, but that it is possible to be successful in business, medicine, journalism, and law.
DID is not a disease someone is born with. It is a creation of the amazingly complex human mind made for SURVIVAL, for overcoming abuse, and for healing.
Living among those who have felt fragmented has taught me a great deal about the lenths to which humans can go to survive. It has caused me to have greater compassion for sufferers as well as immense respect for those who are going through therapy. It is also tough for families and friends of those who have DID, and I hope to provide some resources for them as well.
Links
- Voiceless Victims
- Giving a Voice to Victims of Crime and Exploitation.
- Sidran Traumatic Stress Foundation
- A non-profit organization and publisher with on-line brochures and articles about DID and other trauma-related disorders, diagnostic materials that are available at cost, and training program. Books can be ordered online.
- All About Us - Empowered Multiplicity
- A multiple tells of the relationships developed between 14 alters, adults, children, teens, ancients, friends, mentors, and lovers.
- Coming Out Multiple
- Essay by Bob King. A brief article on what it means to come out as a multiple and how to support and accept a friend who is multiple.
- Lynne's World
- Information and links about self injury, multiplicity, mid-continuum, depression, eating disorders and gay and Christian issues, from a UK perspective.
- Labyrinth of People
- A supportive place for people with MPD, their families and friends. Information, personal experiences, links and a bulletin board to post advice or questions about MPD.
- Dissociation in the UK
- Information in the UK on Dissociation and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) provided by The Pottergate Centre for Dissociation. Lists organisations, training, research, and information on how to find a therapist.
- SOSA: Survivors of Spiritual Abuse
- Spiritual Abuse Survivors, poems, art, prose, support network; there is an emphasis on people with DID who are survivors of spiritual abuse.
- Questions and Misconceptions
- Detailed paper from a disorder-perspective about DID.
- MPD/DID Information Pages
- Information and support for multiples; includes a "Client Bill of Rights for Psychotherapy."
- Suite101: MPD - Information and Self Help
- Facts and information about MPD, including developing coping skills, developing one's personal spirituality as the key to wellness.
- Health Net: Dissociative Identity Disorder
- Informative guide to the symptoms and treatment of Dissociative Identity Disorder, formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder.
- Coming Out Multiple
- Stories of coming out as multiple. Takes the empowerment, non-disorder perspective.
- Firewheel Vortex
- A collection of essays, including for example, ones on fundamentalism, faith, and the relationship of ADHD to child abuse.
- Dissociative Identity Disorder as a Not to Know Strategy
- An article by Mona Barbera, Ph.D.
- Multiple Personality Disorder: Child Abuse Survivor Artist
- Multiple personality disorder as told by artist/survivor.
- Doubt Cast on Story of Sybil
- Skeptical view on the story of Sybil, whose therapy with Cornelia Wilbur was documented in the book of the same name.
- Mary Reynolds: The First Known Case of Multiple Personality Disorder
- Historic research into this woman's life, including reproduced letters, handwriting, photographs, and a listing of biographies.
- Multiple Personality and Dissociation Book List
- List of books, with reviews, about multiple personality and dissociation.
- Astraea's Multiple Personality Resources and Controversies
- Fresh perspectives on Multiple Personality/Plurality and numerous links. Multiplicity can be a healthy lifestyle alternative, rather than a pathological disorder.
- Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Contribution
- A consultant psychiatrist reviews the factors that characterize DID.
- MPD/DID a Legitimate Diagnosis
- Multiple personaltiy disorder, domestic violence and child abuse. Includes an MPD survey.
- Gift Of Many - It Shouldn't Hurt To Be A Child!
- Enhancing awareness of the connection between MPD/DID and abuse.
- Coping with Dissociative Identity Disorder - Multiple Personality Disorder
- Ideas for coping with the symptoms of Dissociativie Identity Disorder, stories, tips and links to other resources.
- HELP! My Friend Has Multiple Personalities
- An introduction to Dissociative Identity Disorder for friends and family members of those who have the condition.
- Dissociation.com
- Extensive writings by Ralph Allison, M.D., one of the pioneers in treating multiplicity, explicating his unusual theory about the difference between Dissociative Identity Disorder and Multiple Personality Disorder.
Don't Be Afraid
Understanding DID/MPD
Many diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder are afraid to tell others that they have the condition, afraid of being labeled and stigmatized. It is up to those who have it and their families and friends to overcome these stigmas. The condition is real, and it can be scary at times, but it is the story of survival, bravery, and determination.
Many people are unaware of the fact that they have DID until their 20's or 30's. In personal experience, it seems that before that time, they think everyone can hear different parts talking within their minds.
Other than seeing a "vacant" look in their eyes, or a few episodes of catching them talking to themselves, many around them will have no idea that they are having a very different experience in their inner selves.
Others may see their loved one experience mood swings, uncharacteristic behavior, and episodes where the sufferer can not remember what they have done or said.
The other personalities, or "alters", have been created by the "host" or main identity, often as a way to separate themselves from abuse mentally.
Therapy can involve remembering the abuse, and can be tough for the entire person. Ultimately, dealing with the trauma, and teacing each separate part that it is safe, and part of a whole, is the way to bring everyone back together. The "host" sometimes fears that the he or she will lose the "others" is they go through this integration, but they have no need to fear that. The host becomes aware of all of their different aspects, and though everyone is now able to communicate, the host is in charge, and will be responsible for handling any stressful events that life may throw at them.
Persons with DID need support, love, and patience. It can be tough on the relationship, but the dividends will be huge, if you can overlook the present and understand the horrible events they have been through and survived.
Love them, and you will have helped heal the their inner children and themselves.
Many people are unaware of the fact that they have DID until their 20's or 30's. In personal experience, it seems that before that time, they think everyone can hear different parts talking within their minds.
Other than seeing a "vacant" look in their eyes, or a few episodes of catching them talking to themselves, many around them will have no idea that they are having a very different experience in their inner selves.
Others may see their loved one experience mood swings, uncharacteristic behavior, and episodes where the sufferer can not remember what they have done or said.
The other personalities, or "alters", have been created by the "host" or main identity, often as a way to separate themselves from abuse mentally.
Therapy can involve remembering the abuse, and can be tough for the entire person. Ultimately, dealing with the trauma, and teacing each separate part that it is safe, and part of a whole, is the way to bring everyone back together. The "host" sometimes fears that the he or she will lose the "others" is they go through this integration, but they have no need to fear that. The host becomes aware of all of their different aspects, and though everyone is now able to communicate, the host is in charge, and will be responsible for handling any stressful events that life may throw at them.
Persons with DID need support, love, and patience. It can be tough on the relationship, but the dividends will be huge, if you can overlook the present and understand the horrible events they have been through and survived.
Love them, and you will have helped heal the their inner children and themselves.
Great Stuff on Amazon
Hoax and Reality: The Bizarre World of Multiple Personality Disorder
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009) 
Used Price: $8.16
Dissociative Identity Disorder - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References
Amazon Price: $28.95 (as of 12/28/2009)
Used Price: $20.00
Amongst Ourselves: A Self-Help Guide to Living With Dissociative Identity Disorder
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/28/2009)
Used Price: $7.85
Breaking Free: My Life with Dissociative Identity Disorder
Amazon Price: $18.96 (as of 12/28/2009)
Used Price: $0.01
Dissociative Identity Disorder: Theoretical and Treatment Controversies
Amazon Price: $50.00 (as of 12/28/2009)
Used Price: $6.01
The Dissociative Identity Disorder Sourcebook (Sourcebooks)
Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 12/28/2009)
Used Price: $7.75
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