Myths About DID
Last week, I spent two full days at a virtual Healing Together conference for people with dissociative disorders sponsored by an organization called An Infinite Mind. A wealth of information was presented, and a lot of friendships were made among the over 400 people who attended (yes, even over zoom …!). People with dissociative disorders, therapists who work with dissociative clients, researchers, and therapists who have DID (dissociative identity disorder) were there. What a wonderful mix 😊!
Although misinformation about DID is prevalent in today’s culture, Healing Together was a place to get factual information and real, authentic support. Today, I’d like to debunk a few myths about DID from a presentation by Melissa Parker, LMHC.
· DID is rare. For decades, the therapeutic and scientific communities thought DID was a rare disorder, something most people would never see in a lifetime. The truth is that DID is the child’s natural response to repetitive trauma and is far more common than previously thought. Melissa says 2% of the population has DID; I’ve read the number is between 1-5%. In the US alone, that means more than 3 to 9 million people have DID! This places DID next to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in terms of prevelance. Look at your neighbors, your family, your friends. Someone may be silently suffering with a dissociative disorder.
· When people with DID “switch” from one part to another, it’s obvious and dramatic. About 95% of people with DID have covert presentations and are very unlikely to show signs to the public. DID is called the “hidden disorder” which means it developed in the small child in order to hide all signs of abuse from the rest of the world, including the person who owns it. Unless you are in an intimate relationship with the person or otherwise very close, you are unlikely to see any signs of switching.
· People with DID are dangerous. Oh, heavens, no 🙄! In truth, people with DID are much more likely to be the victims of violence than to commit violence. Hiding the abuse for decades, experiencing the disconnect between thoughts and emotions, feeling like we are not a part of the real world, and managing an inner world are symptoms that make us vulnerable. If people with DID commit violence, it is usually to ourselves. So be kind and compassionate!
· People with DID are disabled. It is true that we struggle with many disorienting issues before and during recovery but lots of DID’ers are smart, capable, and creative. Many people – myself included – believe that DID is less a mental illness and more a creative coping strategy to survive horrible abuse. Still, some people with DID need extra support for a time while they are stabilizing and coming to terms with their multiple worlds.
It’s normal for family and friends of people with DID to be curious about the nature of the condition but make sure you do your research before coming to any conclusions. Don’t believe everything you hear. People with DID need YOUR support and understanding. With good therapy and people who care, DID’ers can recover and lead highly functioning lives 🎉 🎉 🎉.
What myths do you need unpacked? Share your questions in the comments below.
Check out my website at www.lynbarrett.com and get my free ebook called DID Unpacked along with a subscription to my weekly newsletter.
What questions do you have about DID? Any topics you’d like me to cover? I’ll look forward to hearing from you!
“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.” ~ Roy T. Bennett