People with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder, may experience a range of symptoms related to their different identities, also known as "alters." The experiences can vary from person to person, but generally, individuals with DID may both see and feel their alters. However, it's important to note that the manifestations of DID can differ significantly from one person to another, and not everyone will experience the condition in exactly the same way.
Some common experiences of individuals with DID may include:
Feeling the presence of alters: Many individuals with DID report feeling the presence of their alters within them. This can be described as an internal sense or awareness of different identities with unique thoughts, emotions, memories, and behaviors.
Hearing internal voices: Some individuals with DID may hear their alters talking to them internally. These internal voices may have distinct tones, accents, or characteristics, and they can be experienced as separate individuals.
Experiencing amnesia between switches: When one alter takes control and another alters "switches" in, there is often a sense of amnesia for the time that the other alter was in control. This is one of the hallmark features of DID.
Seeing themselves as different people: Some individuals with DID may have visual imagery or perceptions associated with their alters, seeing them in their mind's eye or imagining them as separate individuals.
It is essential to recognize that DID is a complex and often misunderstood condition. The experiences described above can be distressing and challenging to cope with, and individuals with DID require sensitive and appropriate support from mental health professionals who are experienced in working with dissociative disorders. Therapy for DID often involves helping individuals integrate their different identities and develop healthy coping strategies to manage their symptoms and life challenges effectively.