Honestly, I think if the dissociative disorders weren't so controversial, and certain people wouldn't try to defend it so much, then perhaps more people would be free to post things here. It's when there are responses that judge, doubt, question/interrogate, reiterate what isn't or is dissociation, etc., it makes it harder for people to share their authentic realities. Comorbidity is common among those with dissociative disorders. Comorbidity doesn't necessarily rule out a dissociative disorder; it can coexist.

When people express things here, it seems to get challenged at times. However, when people express in other sections/other forums/other threads, they don't get challenged. Why? Because there's this ongoing culture-bound war/controversy that ensues between parental rights versus children's rights, false memories versus traumatic memories, and those against supporting dissociative disorders versus those who struggle with dissociative symptoms.

I, for one, find it challenging and difficult to check in here when certain people will question or challenge your statements, your diagnosis, your expressions, your struggles ALL. THE. TIME. It would be helpful if there were specific rules for this specific section, seeing that it gets certain negative feedback at different times (not always, but sometimes).

I find it easier to share with my T privately than to share online here, to be honest.

For the other non-dissociative stuff, I tend to share those feelings elsewhere. I also sometimes share my dissociative symptoms in other forums because I'm more accepted and welcomed there; whereas similar postings here would render some responses that are rather off-putting or challenging, as opposed to supportive and accepting.

I hope this makes sense.

It would be great if this section were more inclusive of those who express similarities with dissociative symptoms, as well as the diverse kinds of symptoms that many people with a dissociative disorder diagnoses often have.

All these debates on what is or isn't dissociation based on someone's statement about something in the past, something in the present, some comorbidity, or otherwise, is just making it difficult for people to trust in the support that could be given here, as opposed to the challenges that just turn people away.

I get that some opponents will claim that dissociative disorders are "culture-bound," but those arguments have been debunked, given the amount of dissociative disorder diagnoses globally. And, because of the challenges people experience from those opponents (approximately 50% of the psychological field, and even more from the psychiatric field), people are now more and more reluctant on seeking treatment - especially minorities. It's a sadness.

So I just thought I'd mention this here, wholeheartedly, since I feel reluctant on sharing much here because of the reasons I've outlined above.