Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Dissociation: A First Step Towards Understanding
This post offers an introduction to Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and dissociation, aiming to bridge common misunderstandings. DID is often misrepresented, so here it’s explored as a natural response to trauma rather than a “disorder.” Looking at DID through this lens can reveal people's remarkable resilience in their healing journeys. Each experience with DID brings unique insights that deepen our understanding of recovery and growth.
* This post will focus on Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and dissociation more generally. It will not cover other dissociative disorders, such as OSDD (refer to the Spring blog in the suggested readings) or DPDR (see Dr. Simeon’s book). However, the resources below are a great place to learn more about all aspects and experiences of dissociation.
What is Dissociation?
“Dissociation is about the small stuff, about the little curls of experience that are visible if we look, but often go unnoticed in their routine presence.”
“Dissociation is numbness and nothingness; it is a feeling of being lost; it is floating on a cloud that threatens to suffocate; it is automatic speech and action without awareness or control; it is looking at the world and blinking to try to remove the blurry fog; it is hearing and seeing the immediate world and simultaneously feeling very far away; it is raw fear; it is unfamiliarity in familiar places; it is possession; it is being haunted everyday by unknown monsters that can be felt but not seen (at least not by others); it is looking in the mirror and not knowing who is looking back; it is fantasy and imagination; and, above all else, it is survival. Dissociation is all of these things and none of them at once.”
Dissociation is often misunderstood, yet it’s something everyone experiences. Think of the times you’ve been absorbed in a book, lost track of time, or drifted off in thought while waiting in line. That’s dissociation—a natural part of everyday life. It’s the mind’s way of creating distance between experiences, which can be helpful, especially in overwhelming situations.
Many people do not realize that dissociation exists on a spectrum, ranging from everyday occurrences like daydreams to more complex responses such as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). A spectrum reflects the flexible and changing nature of dissociation. DID was previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder until 1994, when the name was changed to reflect a better understanding of the condition. DID often results from intense trauma experienced early in life and serves as a way to cope.
Traumatic dissociation and DID
When someone endures overwhelming trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or violence, dissociation becomes a psychological safety net. It’s the mind’s way of protecting itself from the full impact of the traumatic event. Traumatic dissociation can cause a sense of detachment from one’s body, emotions, or surroundings. This might involve memory gaps, feelings of numbness, or an altered perception of reality. For some, this protective response is so intense that it leads to DID.
What is DID?
The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) describes Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) as a condition where someone experiences two or more distinct identities. These are often referred to as parts, headmates, or alters—and together, they may be described as a system.
When I work with someone, I ask what language feels right for them. Some don’t use system and may prefer other terms. Others may have subsystems. I work to honor your(s) language and experience.
Some headmates may be strongly aware of past trauma and stay alert to possible danger. Others may focus more on everyday life, helping the person function without carrying that same burden.
For those with DID, memory gaps may arise—not as occasional forgetfulness but as part of how they’ve adapted to managing overwhelming experiences (Purcell et al., 2024). This reflects a person's resilience in coping with complex past events, even though it can sometimes disrupt their present-day orientation or ability to connect with people.
How are DID “Parts” different?
Everyone carries different aspects of who they are. In DID, headmates may not always know each other, and shifts between them can sometimes be sudden, but more often, the shifts are subtle.
Sometimes, people with DID are aware of headmate switches. A state called co-consciousness occurs when multiple headmates are simultaneously aware. In this state, headmates can be mindful of one another and their surroundings, with differing levels of control. For instance, some people with DID describe being able to hear their other headmates.
Overall, headmates emerge to help the system manage intense experiences. One headmate may not recall the actions or experiences of another headmate. Some headmates carry specific memories to protect the rest of the system, while others maintain daily routines. Together, different headmates support the system’s survival and adaptation.
Understanding that headmates can differ in awareness, relationships, and perspectives is essential for system understanding and healing. This understanding creates a supportive environment where everyone in the system can get to know one another better and feel safer internally.
Why Understanding DID Matters
DID is often overlooked because its dissociative nature shields it from immediate recognition. The child develops DID to protect their psyche. As adults, people with DID frequently show no visible signs of trauma, as their minds may shield them from conscious awareness of trauma.
Those living with DID may not always realize or remember what is happening to them and may also struggle with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse, bodily disturbances, or other co-occurring conditions. Therapists may focus on treating these symptoms without recognizing the underlying dissociative. This can go on for many years, sometimes an entire lifetime.
DID, by its nature, involves hiding, making it difficult for individuals to accept and for therapists to identify. Though traditionally viewed as rare, research suggests DID is more common than once thought, with 1.5% prevalence rate in the adult population (Brand et al., 2016; Purcell et al., 2024). When seen as rare, it is not studied or understood, leading to delays in recognition and treatment (Brand et al., 2016). This highlights the need for better awareness and understanding.
Systems can shift in response to internal and external stressors (Kluft, 1991). These changes can be challenging for others to recognize or understand, but the picture makes more sense when we see DID as an adaptive response to overwhelming experiences.
Shifts in identity or behavior are not random—they’re the system’s way of adjusting to different situations. While this may seem confusing from the outside, an internal logic often helps the system stay safe and functional. This fluidity isn’t a flaw—it’s a powerful survival strategy that has helped many navigate challenging circumstances.
Conclusion
I hope this provides a helpful introduction to DID and dissociation. To learn more, visit my resource page, where you'll find valuable websites focusing on dissociation and links to communities that share lived experiences. I have also included some recommended books, videos, podcasts, and articles below. If you’d like more personalized support, please reach out—I specialize in working with trauma and dissociation, and I am here to help.
References:
Chefetz, R. A. (2015). Intensive Psychotherapy for Persistent Dissociative Processes: The Fear of Feeling Real. W.W. Norton.
Hunter, N. (n.d.). Facing the past: Dissociation and 'serious mental illness'. Retrieved March 9, 2025, from https://www.noelrhunter.com/blogs/dissociation-serious-mental-illness/
Suggested resources to learn more:
The Healing Trauma Podcast, (2023) Dissociation Identity Disorder From a Lived Perspective with Adrian Fletcher, MA, Psy.D (video). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJPX4B0M7MA
Hunter, N. (n.d.). Trauma, psychosis, and dissociation: Understanding the connections. Retrieved March 9, 2025, from https://www.noelrhunter.com/blogs/trauma-psychosis-dissociation/
Los Angeles Times. (2023, October 31). Dissociative identity disorder is distressing and stigmatized. It's also a brilliant adaptive coping mechanism. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/newsletter/2023-10-31/dissociative-identity-disorder-is-distressing-and-stigmatized-its-also-a-brilliant-adaptive-coping-mechanism-group-therapy
Spring, C. (n.d.). DID or OSDD—Does it matter? Carolyn Spring. Retrieved Nov 25, 2024, from https://www.carolynspring.com/blog/did-or-osdd-does-it-matter/
Power to the Plurals is a free resource website established by The Plural Association Nonprofit. It is dedicated to supporting individuals with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and other forms of multiplicity under the plural umbrella. The site offers a variety of educational materials, articles, and resources aimed at empowering plural systems.
The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) offers a variety of public resources aimed at enhancing understanding and support for individuals affected by complex trauma and dissociation. These resources include public webinars, fact sheets, support sheets, self-care materials, and a therapist directory.
