What To Know About Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a mental health condition affecting approximately 1.5% of the general population. Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day, also known as National Multiple Personality Day, can offer an opportunity for people to recognize the condition, support those who live with it, and raise awareness to fight against stigma. A licensed therapist, whether online or in person, can offer professional support and guidance to those living with DID and their loved ones.

What is dissociative identity disorder?

Many people unfamiliar with dissociative identity disorder (DID) may recognize it by its former names, multiple personality disorder and split personality disorder. DID is a mental health condition in which individuals have multiple identities or personalities (two or more), known as alters. An alter is a part of the person’s identity that may have its own memories, quirks, and likes and dislikes. Individuals with the condition generally have their true “core” personality and up to 100 alters, all featuring their own distinctive characteristics and mannerisms.

Rather than individuals having multiple personalities, the condition may be more akin to individuals’ identities “splintering” into different forms. This fragmentation may be a coping mechanism or response that allows the individual to detach from previous trauma they’ve experienced.

Symptoms and common signs

People with dissociative identity disorder (DID) may experience significant changes in mood, personality, and behavior.Dissociative symptoms may include hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, trouble with impulse control and emotional control, and significant memory loss. Additionally, individuals with DID may sometimes experience other symptoms like anxiety, depression, disorientation, and delusions. They might be more likely to develop certain complications alongside DID, such as substance use disorders and self-harm behaviors.

Causes and risk factors of DID

There are a few common causes and risk factors for dissociative identity disorder (DID), such as childhood trauma, chronic stress, genetics, substance abuse, medical conditions, and oppressive environments. However, the most common cause of this disorder is childhood trauma.

Severe childhood trauma and abuse

Recent studies show that around 90% of people with dissociative identity disorder (DID) were victims of severe childhood trauma. Experiences that leave children emotionally distressed, scared, or overwhelmed can be traumatic, such as abuse, neglect, violence, bullying, or loss and separation. While abuse tends to be the most common cause of DID, other traumatic events, like experiencing military combat or a natural disaster, can also cause the disorder to develop.

Role of caregivers and early environment

Because dissociative identity disorder (DID) is normally a reaction to a traumatic event, the condition cannot be prevented unless the trauma doesn’t occur in the first place. Defending children and adults from abuse can be one way to minimize their risk of developing DID. Caregivers can play an active role in supporting children's emotional development, which is a protective factor for DID, and creating a safe environment. By spending quality time with them, being patient with mistakes, and encouraging their pursuits, caregivers may support their overall development.

Dissociative identity disorder statistics

Why DID Awareness Day awareness day matters

Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day is an opportunity for people to educate themselves on this disorder, challenge misconceptions, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek ongoing support. Open and honest conversations during this day can spark understanding and compassion.

Educating yourself and reducing stigma

Speaking publicly about dissociative identity disorder (DID) may enhance education and reduce stigma in society. You may wish to post online about your DID knowledge or experiences on Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day, or you can talk about it with people you know. In doing so, you can address misconceptions about the disorder and offer educational resources so people can learn more.

You can learn more about DID and other dissociative disorders through various resources. For example, organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Multiplied By One Org may provide educational materials, online support groups, and other resources.

Better understanding DID in popular culture and society

Media representations of dissociative identity disorder (DID) may portray characters as violent, supernatural, and dramatically switching between alters. However, in reality, changes in behavior can be subtle. While this disorder has been sensationalized in the media through movies and books, DID remains often misunderstood, and individuals living with the condition may struggle to manage their symptoms without adequate support and understanding.

How to raise awareness on this day

Celebrating Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day may help individuals feel seen, heard, and represented in an accurate way. It can also present an opportunity for those affected by DID to discuss their stories and seek compassionate support. Some ways you can raise awareness include: 

• Validating that DID is a real condition, some people may believe it is a fake or dramatized condition due to opinions perpetuated in the media.
• Participating in local events that raise awareness, encourage help-seeking behavior, or educate people on the symptoms and causes of DID. 
• Emphasizing that DID does not make someone violent or dangerous to be around.
• Advocating for reachable mental health care for people with DID and other mental illnesses.
• Utilizing social media platforms to share information, knowledge, and heartfelt stories.

Supporting loved ones with DID

If you know someone who is struggling with DID in their daily life, it can be important to do your best to support them. Peer support may help alleviate social isolation, a common symptom among individuals with DID, due to shame and stigma. Asking them what you can do to help them feel supported can be a good start, although the individual's alters may each need different things to feel supported.  

It may be helpful to familiarize yourself with their alters, or signs that they may be switching alters. Research indicates that signs of switching alters may include blinking, eye-rolling, posture changes, and trance-like behavior. Understanding the personality differences and shifts in identity from alter to alter can help you best support your loved one. Additionally, reminding your loved ones about important dates or events may be helpful if they struggle with gaps in memory.

Living with DID

Since dissociative identity disorder (DID) involves managing two or more personalities or alters, living a fulfilling life usually involves fostering external stability andinternal communication. To do this, you can:

• Journal collectively to avoid memory gaps by tracking events and sharing messages  
• Establish a routine – such as bedtime and lunchtime – to maintain a sense of security
• Use sticky notes to communicate or remind one another of important events 
• Practice meditation to return to the present moment when you feel disconnected
• Make a crisis plan, such as who to contact, during times of distress  

Navigating relationships

Relationships can be supportive for people with DID. Being honest in conversations with loved ones and allowing them to meet different alters can promote understanding and connection. This may require intimacy and trust, but establishing clear boundaries, such as enforced quiet time, can make this easier.

Honoring each and every personality or alter

As well as working with a therapist to promote inner harmony, communication, and acceptance, it can be helpful to honor each and every personality or alter. It can be helpful to recognize that each alter serves a role, to accept individuality, to trust in each personality, and to encourage shared or system responsibility for daily decisions and overall well-being. 

Treatment options for dissociative identity disorder

If you or someone you know is living with dissociative identity disorder (DID) or experiencing symptoms they believe could be related to DID, know that there are treatment options available. The first line of treatment for DID is usually therapy. Working with a therapist can help individuals work through trauma that may be contributing to their DID symptoms. 

Therapy approaches

In general, no one test can diagnose DID, which can make diagnosis challenging. Though symptoms of the disorder often appear in childhood, most people with DID don’t receive a diagnosis until adulthood. Healthcare providers will usually review symptoms and rule out physical health concerns, such as head injuries or other neurological issues, before making a diagnosis based on mental health history, symptoms, and psychological testing. After a diagnosis, some of the following therapy approaches can be helpful

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to challenge dysfunctional thought patterns among various personalities or alters
• Internal family systems therapy (IFS) to improve communication, trust, and harmony among alters
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) to process traumatic memories that are linked to certain alters.
• Trauma-focused therapy to understand and address the underlying causes of trauma

These therapeutic approaches can also help individuals learn to manage behavioral shifts, communicate between alters (whether through journaling or signposting), and enhance mental well-being.

Medication and coping strategies as adjunctive treatment

Additionally, DID symptoms like anxiety and depression can be treated with doctor-prescribed medications. Lifestyle changes and healthy coping mechanisms, like eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, minimizing stress, and practicing mindfulness, can also be beneficial interventions for DID symptoms.

How BetterHelp can support those with DID

Some people with dissociative identity disorder (DID) may prefer the convenience of online therapy rather than traditional in-person therapy. It may seem more appealing and less intimidating to seek professional help from the comfort and familiarity of one’s home. As each individual’s needs can vary, it may be important to work with healthcare professionals to determine the best form of therapy for you.

How online therapy works

Platforms like BetterHelp can help individuals get started with online therapy, connecting them with a therapist according to their preferences, symptoms, and healthcare goals. Sessions take place online for $70-100 per week on average. Moreover, appointments can be scheduled on a flexible basis, allowing you to prioritize your mental health when life gets busy. Online therapy offers constant communication with a therapist, making it particularly beneficial for people with dissociative identity disorder (DID) who want support during a mental health crisis.

Benefits of working with licensed professionals for trauma and DID

Existing research suggests that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for treating a wide variety of mental health disorders. A recent study investigated whether online treatment for dissociative disorders could be effective and found that it typically reduced self-harm and dissociation, improved emotion control, and helped individuals develop higher adaptive capacities.