I Have Dissociative Identity Disorder | DID

The video features Encina, a woman diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously known as multiple personality disorder, eight years ago. She shares her experience of living with 11 distinct personalities, including Minnie, a three-year-old girl. Encina, originally from California, was diagnosed at 22 or 23 after experiencing significant amnesia. She explains that DID arises from traumatic, repetitive childhood experiences, usually before the age of six or seven, leading to the creation of 'alters' that serve as protectors. Encina describes her relationship with her alters, how they communicate through a diary, and her journey of acceptance and understanding. She also discusses the misconceptions surrounding DID, emphasizing that individuals with the disorder are not inherently dangerous and often suffer from past traumas. Encina's story aims to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with DID.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The portrayal of dissociative identity disorder (DID) in popular culture often misrepresents it as a rare and dangerous condition, but it is more common than perceived, affecting an estimated 150 million people.
• 🧠 DID, previously known as multiple personality disorder, is typically a result of traumatic and recurring childhood experiences that are unavoidable and repetitive.
• 👶 Encina, diagnosed with DID at 22 or 23, has 11 distinct personalities, or 'alters,' with five being primary. Minnie, a three-year-old girl, is one of the alters who used to come out daily.
• 📅 Encina's diagnosis came after experiencing significant amnesia and after regular therapy sessions where the disorder was identified.
• 🔄 The development of DID is often associated with the formation of different personalities, or 'alters,' that serve as protectors during traumatic experiences in childhood.
• 🚫 Encina's alters have their own rules to stay hidden unless they are welcome, aiming to keep the past a secret, safe, and to protect the body.
• 🤝 Encina has learned to coexist with her alters, communicating with them through a diary and acknowledging that they are always present.
• 🌱 Over time, with therapy and self-awareness, Encina has come to accept her DID and sees her alters as a support system that helps her cope with life's challenges.
• 🚫 DID is not something that can be cured or had its alters eliminated; they are a permanent part of the individual's psyche.
• 💊 There is no specific medication for DID, but individuals may take medications to address other co-occurring conditions.
• 🤔 Encina emphasizes the importance of understanding and support from loved ones, as well as the need to challenge misconceptions about DID.

Q & A

What is the estimated number of people experiencing dissociative disorders worldwide?

An estimated 150 million people experience dissociative disorders worldwide.

How old was Encina when diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder?

Encina was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder at around 22 or 23 years old.

What is the typical age range for the development of dissociative identity disorder?

Dissociative identity disorder typically develops in individuals from newborn to around six to seven years old.

What is the role of the alters in the life of a person with DID?

The alters in a person with DID serve as protectors, often taking over during traumatic experiences to shield the individual from harm.

What is the name and age of one of Encina's alters?

One of Encina's alters is named Minnie, who is a three-year-old girl.

How does Encina communicate with her alters?

Encina communicates with her alters through a diary where they have different handwriting and share their thoughts.

What is the name of Minnie's caretaker alter?

Devin is the name of the alter who acts as Minnie's caretaker.

Can someone with DID voluntarily bring out an alter?

A person with DID can voluntarily bring out an alter if they are co-conscious with them. However, traumatic experiences or triggers can also cause an alter to emerge.

How has Encina's relationship with her alters changed over time?

Initially, Encina fought against her alters, but over time she began to work with them instead of against them, making her life easier and more manageable.

What is the general public's misconception about people with DID?

The general public, influenced by popular culture, often believes that people with DID are dangerous and that the disorder is rare. In reality, individuals with DID are more likely to be victims of trauma rather than a threat to others.

How has Encina's life improved after understanding and accepting her DID?

Encina's life has improved significantly after accepting her DID. She has entered a healthy relationship, and her alters no longer cause her to experience frequent amnesiac episodes. She also uses her experience to raise awareness and educate others about DID.

Outlines

00:00

🎬 Introduction to Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

The video begins by addressing the misconceptions about multiple personalities, often dramatized in popular culture. The guest, Encina, shares her experience living with DID, previously known as multiple personality disorder. She explains that DID is more common than believed, affecting an estimated 150 million people worldwide. Encina was diagnosed with DID at the age of 22 or 23 after experiencing significant memory gaps. She describes her journey of understanding her condition, which was initially difficult to comprehend. Encina has 11 different personalities or 'alters,' including Minnie, a three-year-old girl, and discusses the triggers and experiences that led to the development of her DID.

05:01

🧒 The Creation of Alters in Childhood

Encina delves into the traumatic experiences in childhood that lead to the development of DID. She explains that these 'alters' are created as a protective mechanism against reoccurring trauma, usually experienced before the age of six or seven. These alters can take various forms, including animals or inanimate objects, and serve as protectors. Encina shares her personal story of sexual abuse by her father and his friends, which she only became aware of through therapy. She describes how her alters, including Minnie and her caretaker Devin, were created to help her cope with these traumatic experiences.

10:03

👧 Minnie, the Three-Year-Old Alter

The conversation focuses on Minnie, one of Encina's alters, who is a three-year-old girl. Minnie is described as a primary alter who used to come out every day. Encina explains how Minnie has her own interests, such as coloring, and how she communicates with her through a diary. The video discusses the concept of co-consciousness, where Encina can see and feel what Minnie does when she is in control. The protective role of another alter, Devin, is also highlighted, showing how the system of alters works together to protect Encina.

15:07

🚗 The Car Metaphor for DID Experiences

Encina uses the car metaphor to explain the different levels of consciousness and amnesia experienced by someone with DID. She describes being in the front seat as being fully conscious, being in the backseat as being co-conscious, and being in the trunk as experiencing amnesia. The metaphor illustrates the varying degrees of awareness and control that Encina has over her alters. The video also touches on the improvement in Encina's life circumstances and how it has led to a decrease in disruptive switching between alters.

20:11

🌈 The Complexities of Alters and Their Interactions

The discussion explores the intricacies of Encina's alters, including their unique characteristics and roles within her system. Encina clarifies that not all alters are created equal and some are more dominant or protective than others. She also addresses the misconception that alters are a form of superpower, stating that while her experience with DID has its challenges, it has also provided her with a support system that helps her cope with traumatic experiences. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding and acceptance for individuals with DID.

25:16

🤔 Public Perception and Stigma Surrounding DID

Encina addresses the skepticism and misunderstanding that people often have about DID. She shares her experiences of being doubted and questioned about her condition, highlighting the need for education and awareness. The video also discusses the rarity of DID and the importance of not dismissing it as a joke. Encina talks about her past experiences with alters that were once problematic but have since been integrated into her system, showing that recovery and healing are possible for those with DID.

30:19

📹 Sharing the Experience of DID Through Social Media

Encina discusses her past attempts to use social media, specifically YouTube, to share her experiences with DID. She talks about the challenges of filming videos with her alters and the process of gaining their trust. The video also touches on the reactions of friends and the public to her videos, emphasizing the importance of support and understanding. Encina shares her hope that by sharing her story, she can help to break down the stigma associated with DID.

35:21

🌟 Minnie's Perspective on Living with DID

The video features an interaction with Minnie, one of Encina's alters, who is portrayed as a three-year-old girl. Minnie talks about her experiences, including her likes, dislikes, and how she spends her time when she 'comes out.' She describes her relationship with Encina, referring to her as 'Mommy,' and discusses her other alter friends, including Devin. The segment provides a unique perspective on the internal world of someone with DID and emphasizes the individuality and personhood of each alter.

40:27

🤔 The Co-Conscious Experience and Public Interaction

Encina explains the experience of being co-conscious with her alters, comparing it to watching a movie through someone else's eyes. She discusses the feelings of anxiety and nervousness associated with bringing out Minnie in front of new people. The video also addresses the reactions of others to Minnie, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals with DID in social situations. Encina emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind and being supportive of those with DID.

45:30

📘 The Impact of DID on Personal Relationships

The video explores how DID affects personal relationships, with Encina sharing her experiences of disclosing her condition to close ones. She talks about the initial skepticism and the eventual acceptance and understanding shown by her partner. Encina also discusses the impact of DID on her past abusive relationships and how her current healthy relationship has contributed to a decrease in disruptive alter switching. The segment emphasizes the importance of communication and acceptance in relationships involving individuals with DID.

50:31

🏥 Seeking Medical Help for DID

Encina discusses the challenges of finding medical professionals who specialize in DID. She mentions that while she has doctors who are understanding and supportive, she has not found a local specialist. The video also addresses the lack of medication specifically for DID, with treatment often focusing on co-occurring conditions. Encina shares her reluctance to bring out her alters on camera, emphasizing the autonomy and individuality of each alter.

55:34

🌈 The Internal World of Minnie

The video provides a glimpse into Minnie's internal world, with Encina describing Minnie's appearance and her interactions with other alters. Minnie is portrayed as a separate individual with her own likes, dislikes, and living space within Encina. The segment highlights the complexity of DID and the unique experiences of each alter, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting their individuality.

📺 The Impact of Social Media on Raising Awareness for DID

Encina discusses the potential of social media to raise awareness about DID, sharing her past experiences of creating YouTube videos featuring her alters. She expresses her hope that by sharing her story, she can help others understand the condition and challenge the stigma associated with it. The video encourages viewers to educate themselves and be supportive of those with DID, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding.

Keywords

💡Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a mental health condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states within an individual. It is often a response to severe trauma, particularly during early childhood. In the video, Encina discusses her life with DID, including her 11 different alters, which are internal personalities that can take control of her behavior.

💡Amnesia

Amnesia in the context of DID refers to the inability of the individual to recall important personal information, often due to the switching between different alters. Encina describes experiencing amnesia where she would wake up with no memory of what she did over the weekend.

💡Alters

Alters are the individual personalities within a person who has DID. Each alter can have its own set of memories, behaviors, and even physical mannerisms. In the video, Encina mentions that she has five primary alters, including Minnie, a three-year-old girl, and Devin, Minnie's caretaker.

💡Trauma

Trauma, particularly repetitive and severe trauma experienced during childhood, is a common cause of DID. It can lead to the development of alters as a coping mechanism. Encina's DID was a result of sexual abuse she endured as a child, which she only became aware of through therapy.

💡Therapy

Therapy plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of DID. It helps individuals understand their condition, integrate their alters, and work through the underlying trauma. Encina was diagnosed with DID after regular sessions with a therapist, who helped her recognize the disorder and its symptoms.

💡Co-consciousness

Co-consciousness is a state in DID where the individual with the disorder is aware of what their alter is experiencing, even though the alter is the one controlling the body. Encina describes being co-conscious with some of her alters, allowing her to see what they see and know what they're doing.

💡Switching

Switching is the term used to describe the process where one alter takes control of the body from another. It can be triggered by stress, trauma, or other factors. Encina explains that she has learned to recognize the signs when an alter is about to switch control.

💡Supportive Relationships

Having a supportive network of friends, family, or partners is essential for individuals with DID. Encina mentions that being in a healthy relationship has helped her manage her DID and reduce the frequency of switching between alters.

💡Stigma

Stigma refers to the negative stereotypes and misconceptions associated with mental health conditions like DID. The video discusses the common misconception that people with DID are dangerous, which is a myth that the video aims to dispel by sharing Encina's personal story.

💡Primary Alters

Primary alters are the main personalities within a person with DID that take control of the body most frequently. Encina has five primary alters, which include Minnie and Devin, and they play significant roles in her life.

💡Childhood Abuse

Childhood abuse is a significant factor in the development of DID. It often involves severe and repeated trauma that the child's mind copes with by creating alters. Encina's DID stems from sexual abuse she experienced alongside her father and his friends during her early years.

Highlights

An estimated 150 million people experience dissociative disorders.

Encina was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID) at the age of 22 or 23.

DID is often a result of traumatic, reoccurring childhood experiences.

Encina has 11 different personalities, known as 'alters', with five being primary.

Minnie, a three-year-old girl, is one of Encina's alters and was created as a protector.

Devin is another alter who acts as Minnie's caretaker.

Alters can take over consciousness, leading to amnesia about certain periods.

Encina's alters have their own preferences, like Minnie enjoying coloring and having a favorite cat named Squish.

DID is not a choice and cannot be cured, but therapy can help manage the disorder.

Having a supportive relationship and a safe environment can reduce the frequency of alter switches.

Some alters may have different physical sensitivities, such as a sensitivity to gluten.

Encina uses a diary to communicate with her alters, as not all of them are co-conscious.

The concept of 'system' is used by those with DID to describe the collective of their alters.

DID can sometimes manifest with alters having different health conditions, such as one alter being diabetic while another is not.

Encina is thankful for her alters as they have protected her from traumatic experiences.

There is no medication specifically for DID, but treatments can address co-occurring conditions.

Encina has found comfort in connecting with others who have DID and aims to raise awareness about the disorder.