In Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder, the switching of identities or alters is not a voluntary process that the person can control at will. Switching between identities is typically an involuntary response to certain triggers, stressors, or emotional states. It is an automatic defense mechanism that occurs as a result of the individual's history of severe trauma and dissociation.
DID is a complex and severe dissociative disorder in which an individual develops two or more distinct identities or personality states that alternate control over the person's behavior, thoughts, and feelings. These identities may have their own names, characteristics, memories, and experiences. The switches between these identities can be sudden and may be accompanied by memory gaps.
The dissociative amnesia experienced by individuals with DID can make them unaware of the existence of other identities or even the periods of time during which another identity was in control. Therefore, they cannot consciously switch themselves to "normal people" because they don't have conscious access to all aspects of their dissociative system.
Moreover, it's essential to understand that DID is not a choice or something that individuals can control on their own. It is a psychological response to severe and often repeated trauma during childhood, usually in the form of abuse. The creation of alternate identities serves as a coping mechanism to handle overwhelming emotions, pain, and distress associated with the traumatic experiences.
Therapeutic intervention for individuals with DID focuses on helping them work through their trauma, promoting cooperation among the different identities, and developing coping strategies to manage triggers and dissociative symptoms. It's important to approach this disorder with empathy, understanding, and professional support from mental health experts who specialize in the treatment of dissociative disorders.