((((((((((((earthmama)))))))))))

Alters are simply alternate states of mind. I'm of the mindset (and it's only my opinion based on what T has said) that everyone has states of mind. The difference is in the thickness of barriers between them. Whereas bipolar bear and I (and others) have thick barriers to the degree that we are unaware when another alternate state is in the forefront, others are more aware of what goes on when in the alternate state of mind. There are varying degrees of this.

Just remember that you haven't changed. If there are barriers between the alternate states of mind, they've always been there. You're just becoming more aware. Also, people can be highly dissociative without going into an alternate state of mind, in my opinion.

I know it can be scary when you're trying to figure things out. The brain is really amazing at how it learns to cope with things to survive.

Hang in there