How to Cope With Dissociative Identity Disorder

Once called multiple personality disorder, dissociative identity disorder (DID) refers to a condition where someone has two or more distinct personalities that can dominate his consciousness at any given time. The case of Sybil was extreme with 16 personalities, but most people with DID can lead productive lives with the help of therapy and a nurturing environment.

Instructions

1. Write up a profile with the help of your therapist about each of your personalities. Get to know them as if they're separate people. While this can be a strange experience at first, the more aware you are of the needs your dissociative identity disorder fills, the better able you are to cope.

2. Do things that will please your other personalities periodically. Think of them as different aspects of yourself. The one who enjoys team sports, for instance, is really expressing your need to feel a part of a team.

3. Be watchful for stressful situations that may trigger dissociation. You can't always control your environment, but being prepared for difficulties can help in some instances. For example, inviting a friend who knows all about your condition to an office party you feel you must attend can help ease some of the tension.

4. Buy several calendars and keep them in strategic places like your car, your purse or briefcase and in every room in your house. During times when you weave in and out of consciousness, it helps to have something to orient you in time.

5. Keep a journal that no one else but you can read. Give yourself the freedom to write down every ugly emotion you have. Write in it at least weekly and read over passages on a regular basis. You'll be surprised at what your other personalities can tell you about yourself if you give them the chance.

6. Take up a relaxing activity and make time every day to do it. Crafts work well because they occupy your hands but free your mind. You could also try a new sport or do something creative you've never tried that brings you joy.

7. Practice empathy towards all of your personalities. You all have to cope with bad memories and strange feelings because of the dissociative identity disorder. It's natural to feel frustrated when an alternate personality does things you don't understand, but good may come of it at a time when you least expect.

Tips & Warnings

• Participating in an online discussion forum can really help.