[Rive1976]

I was wondering how you make a living with your disorder? Do you have families that support you? Places you can live if it gets to be to much? Im asking because I live in a group home with no family support. Feeling like I will never get out and I dont even have a dissociative disorder that I know of. I guess I will find out Wednesday. I feel so hopeless.

[Betty_Banana]

Feeling like I will never get out and I dont even have a dissociative disorder that I know of

That sentence tells me you think having a dissociative disorder is the worst disorder a person could ever have. I think you would be surprised at the number of people that are high functioning that have DID. Sure they struggle but they know how to survive because afterall,that's how DID comes about in the first place,it's a way to survive,

It sounds like you have yourself all worked up over whether you have a dissociative disorder or not.If you do it's not going to change who you are as person just by knowing.Nothing will change from the way things are right now other than a label for what's going on with you,and getting the proper treatment.

Besides, being diagnosed with a dissociative disorder doesn't automatically mean it's DID or you have alters,there's other dissociative diisorders that you could have or you might not even have one at all. You could be remembering wrong that you were diagnosed with it,or it could be something else entirely.Or maybe even nothing at all.

I know Wednesday probably feels like it's fOrEvEr away but it's just a couple of days away.Maybe you could find something you enjoy doing to help pass the time until you
find out,something to keep your mind off of it a bit?Worrying and wondering isn't going to change whatever it's going to be,it's just going to have you a mess by the time you do find out.

[Rive1976]

I just meant how do people with DID maintain jobs etc. when they are switching? Or anything else?

In my world...we survive. That means workers go to work and we fems do the home life. We are very high functioning and often delegated to genius mode by our peers in every endeavor that we do...but we see short comings and limitations that other people don’t see.

Beyond our condition, we are highly resourceful, focused, multitalented, group orientated problem solving, dedicated and self assured...we do life as a well oiled machine as a team.

We are often quickly promoted at work and left in charge. We are often admired for our technical skills and variety of talents from musicality to accounting to IT to manageorial skills to consruction to machine repair.

We can build you a mansion and turn it into a place of art and rock concerts. We are often accused of a drive that no one else possesses around here.

If that helps, kewl.

[Amyjay]

We have always held a job. We switch multiple times a day, to whichever alter deals with whichever thing. Sometimes it is really hard, especially when we are badly triggered or stressed for any reason. Any time there is extra stress life becomes very difficult.
But have a very high IQ and I think that has helped enormously in succeeding in certain areas of life. DID affects us mostly in our personal life and relationships with others.

[sarahsweets]

We barely make it. Right now I am on disability and I would like to go back to school for my teaching certificate sometime. My husband works for a university and its a good job. On paper he does well but we have three kids and live in NJ so we are scraping by.

I have always had a job. My career is perfect for someone with DID so I am successful at it. The younger ones have learned when they can be out and when they cannot. We have worked things out over the years and cooperate well together. We have always had a lot of responsibility and enjoy it. We take good care of ourselves.
The only support I have is our therapist. No family support. no friends know I have DID.

[zoiecat]

We have no supportive family. Only my mother is still alive and she is a big source of our problems so we stay away. We have always worked and supported ourselves since childhood. We are very independent and prefer it that way. There is no other option. We did not learn we were multiple until 2 years ago at age 54. DID is all about survival.

[MickeyCheeky]

I'm so sorry, Dnester Just try to hang on. If you do get diagnosed with DID, just know that it doesn't mean life is over. Many people with DID are still able to survive and live a relatively normal life. Yes, it's not easy, but it can be done. Please don't give up. Just seek out the help you need, if you can. I hope you'll feel better soon. You can do this! You're strong, I know that. Wish you good luck! Let us know how it goes. Sending many hugs to you

[kecanoe]

I also have a job that most parts of me love and I do well in it. I have an alter or two who do most of my work; I don't switch very often at work. When I do, I am generally mortified. I guess people just think it is oddness that goes along with being smart as I am generally regarded as being smart.

[amandalouise]

Having DID did not affect whether I had a job (in fact I had many jobs because each alter had their own abilities of what they could and could not do and what careers they wanted to have)

Having DID did not affect whether I could support myself or others because of having alters I was able to do many things and able to multi task.

I actually have more problems now that I am integrated trying to manage a work load and family.

I don’t know, we just do. Whatever happens happens. We have rules, though...

No jail.
Always work at a job.
No embarrassing the body.
No sex or relationships.
No conflicts.
Try to stay in character publicly.
No body markings, piercing or tattoos.
Stay calm, no emotional outbursts.
No going rogue.
Commit no crimes.
Stay incognito as possible.

[Rive1976]

Why no piercings or tattoos? Just not trying to draw more attention to yourself?

Several reasons, actually. The females don’t want their skin colored. Having a particular kind of mark might not sit well with another part. Some tats would be hard to explain. It can be embarrassing to some. It can also be a billboard of our diversity. We get pretty damn competitive in here and do things out of spite to each other. This can easily get out of hand.

So best just not do any.