I was only diagnosed 3 weeks ago, but now realize I have been switching, or "checking out" as my therapist calls it for more than half my life! I never knew exactly what was going on, though I knew something was, but not until recent major stress at work did it start to happen continuosly that I became scared and sought help. My older sister has a more "severe" case, and I can see and hear the different alters, they are so obvious. Maybe I just don't see the difference, but I sure can feel it!! I know others see it, but I can't, at least not yet! Her experience in swithching is so different than mine. Hers is very physical, she can feel them trying to tear their way out and she can see them out the corner of her eye. Mine....I just know by the actual experience of the switch....a feeling of just disappearing, melting, feeling overly sedated, fading away or what i thought was just passing out.....but with my eyes open! It happens anywhere anytime, even when driving, but almost always as I go to bed. At this point, whomever is out is there til the next switch. No conflict at all, yet, just depends on the stressors that cause it all to happen I guesse. Still learning about it all.