[Byrbs]

Hi, so I knew that I dissociate that is not new and I have tried to live with it for ages and have had T before, but have had a bad run of losing time, days last week, hours usually and ir culdnt remember the last 3 sessions... Am really freaked by this, does this mean she met an alter? I have no value they exist! Struggling to get my head round this.

Hi, this is kind of scary for me, and I think I posted yesterday but I can't see the thread here and now wonder if I actually did or not!

So yesterday my T told me I have DID. In some ways it is a relief, that aye I am not going completely insane, and in others really really scary. I have known I dissociate for some years, kind of learned to live with this in a weird disconnected way, and also just not talk about the losing time and other things. So, I get it in a way. But I am pretty freaked out about the possibility of alters, and that I obviously don't know any of them. I guess it is early days but I just wanted to share with people that might understand where I am at the moment and not judge.

[glok]

Welcome to the Community, Byrbs. Be honest and forthright with your therapist.

Dissociative Identity Disorder Symptoms | Psych Central
Dispelling Myths about Dissociative Identity Disorder | Psych Central

I wish you well.

[Travelinglady]

Hi, Byrbs, and welcome to Psych Central! I'm sure it's scary to find out you likely have alters. Lots of folks here do, and they are generally coping pretty well. Further treatment could help you to integrate.

Let's see what other folks have to say.

[Fuzzybear]

Welcome to pc

[Shmooey]

Welcome to the forums. I was diagnosed with DID back in 1993 when it was still called MPD. With a good therapist, you should be able to get through the initial shock and do some good work. I wish you very well. Keep posting as much as you need to, with any kinds of questions.

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by Byrbs

Hi, so I knew that I dissociate that is not new and I have tried to live with it for ages and have had T before, but have had a bad run of losing time, days last week, hours usually and ir culdnt remember the last 3 sessions... Am really freaked by this, does this mean she met an alter? I have no value they exist! Struggling to get my head round this.

Hi, this is kind of scary for me, and I think I posted yesterday but I can't see the thread here and now wonder if I actually did or not!

So yesterday my T told me I have DID. In some ways it is a relief, that aye I am not going completely insane, and in others really really scary. I have known I dissociate for some years, kind of learned to live with this in a weird disconnected way, and also just not talk about the losing time and other things. So, I get it in a way. But I am pretty freaked out about the possibility of alters, and that I obviously don't know any of them. I guess it is early days but I just wanted to share with people that might understand where I am at the moment and not judge.

I know its scary being told a new diagnosis, no matter what the mental disorder or medical problem its just a normal thing for people to be shocked and scared when they are told the unexpected like getting a diagnosis....

the good thing with DID is that nothing is going to change after you have been diagnosed. the diagnosis is only putting a name to a group of diagnostic criteria that has already been happening since early childhood (here in NY the statistic/demographics are below the age of 5)

another good thing now that you have been diagnosed you can talk with your treatment providers who can tell you where you scored on all the diagnostic tests and find out what your individualized treatment plan is based on your own diagnosis and grouping of symptoms. you see here in America in order to carry the diagnostic label DID you have to meet special diagnostic criteria.....
http://forums.psychcentral.com/disso...s-dsm-5-a.html

that means you have gone through tests that show what severity of dissociation you have, what type of alters you have and so much more. which is a good thing because now your treatment provider can answer your questions, like did she meet any of your alters....not necessarily. the first diagnostic criteria no longer requires a psychiatrist or psychologist to meet the alters. now anyone can tell their treatment providers they have alters. but the key here is the alters have to be a special type of alter. since you didnt know your alters existed then you couldnt have told your treatment provider you had alters. the only other way for them to know is if for example you a minor and your parents told the treatment provider. or you have a guardian and that guardian told them, or yes an alter may have talked with your treatment provider......unfortunately we can not answer which way , how or why you met the first diagnostic criteria... for that you will need to talk with your treatment provider. they will explain to you answer your question. they are the only one that can answer that for you.

my suggestion is take a deep breath, relax and contact your treatment provider to answer any of your diagnostic questions.

[Byrbs]

Thanks for the replies. I just feel really vulnerable right now. I saw my T today and she has met one of them. That really makes me feel weird tbh. I understand why this has happened with the history I have and I have never been able to recall anything for large chunks of my childhood and life, so in a way it makes sense but I have fought so hard to try and create a life for myself I kind of feel like I failed. But I appreciate not being alone so thanks for reading.

[Claritytoo]

Originally Posted by Byrbs

Thanks for the replies. I just feel really vulnerable right now. I saw my T today and she has met one of them. That really makes me feel weird tbh. I understand why this has happened with the history I have and I have never been able to recall anything for large chunks of my childhood and life, so in a way it makes sense but I have fought so hard to try and create a life for myself I kind of feel like I failed. But I appreciate not being alone so thanks for reading.

You survived so you didn't fail. You are just on another journey in your life. I am better for knowing even if we are not integrated. I used to think I was going insane. Now I know I am not. If that is all I get from therapy I am fine with that. Good luck in therapy and welcome.