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, often as a result of serious traumatic experiences in childhood. It is recognized as a complex dissociative disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). 

The name of the condition was recently changed as researchers learned more about it. 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.

Having a dissociative disorder means a person may experience significant changes in mood, personality, and behavior due to the condition. With DID, 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.

People with DID may experience hallucinations, out-of-body experiences, trouble with impulse control and emotional control, and significant memory loss. It is also possible for people with the condition to experience other symptoms like anxiety, depression, disorientation, and delusions. They might be more likely to experience certain complications alongside DID, such as substance use disorders and self-harm behaviors.

Dissociative identity disorder statistics

Raising awareness of Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day

Though the disorder has been sensationalized in the media through movies and books, DID often remains misunderstood, and people who live with the condition may struggle to manage their symptoms without adequate support and understanding.

One important step to spread awareness can be speaking publicly about DID, and Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day may be a good time to do so. 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 for individuals and loved ones affected by dissociative disorders on Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day.

Starting points for raising awareness about DID can include the following:

• 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.

• 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 illness.

• Educating people about the symptoms and causes of DID.

For people who have DID, this day can be empowering for many reasons. It can help individuals feel seen, heard, and represented in an accurate way. Celebrating Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day may also help people with the disorder build confidence in themselves and release any shame or self-stigma they may be experiencing. It can also present an opportunity for those affected by DID to discuss their stories about the importance of understanding dissociative episodes and self-identity. In addition, individuals who may be at risk may be encouraged to get an accurate diagnosis.

Myths about DID

DID can be a complicated disorder that people in today’s society may not understand, especially if their perception of DID is based on media representations. Additionally, misinformation frequently causes confusion about DID. Below, we will address common myths about DID.

Myth No. 1: DID only occurs because of physical or sexual abuse

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.

Myth No. 2: There is an official DID test

In general, there is no one test that 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.

Myth No. 3: People with DID are violent

The media may portray people with DID as dangerous or violent. However, people with the condition are usually no more violent than anyone else in the general population. 

Myth No. 4: DID is preventable

Because 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 the risk of developing DID. 

Myth No. 5: DID is extremely rare 

DID is generally believed to be very rare, but it may occur about as frequently as schizophrenia — in about 1.5% of the population. Additionally, the condition can be hard to diagnose, so it is likely that the number of people with the disorder is higher than the 1.5% that are diagnosed.

Supporting loved ones with DID on DID Awareness Day

DID can vary in severity from person to person, but most find the disorder challenging at best and debilitating at worst. If you know someone who is struggling with DID in their daily life, it can be important to do your best to support them. 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.  

If you are close to someone with DID, 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.

Therapy for DID

If you or someone you know is living with 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 talk therapy. Working with a therapist in talk therapy can help individuals work through trauma that may be contributing to their DID symptoms. 

Therapy can also help individuals learn to manage behavioral shifts and merge separate identities together, which may make the disorder more manageable. Merging identities is not necessarily a required part of therapy, and some people prefer to receive treatment while maintaining their alters. 

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.

Benefits of online therapy

Some people with 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.

Effectiveness of online therapy

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.