I can offer some insights based on what has been reported by individuals with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and the existing research on the topic.
Living in the inner world, also known as the internal landscape, can vary significantly among different individuals with DID and their alters (distinct identity states). Some common experiences reported by individuals with DID include:
Inner world experiences: The inner world is a subjective experience and can vary greatly from person to person. It may feel like a dream or a highly vivid and immersive reality. Some alters may have more detailed experiences within the inner world, while others may have limited awareness or memory of it.
Perception of time and space: Time and space in the inner world can differ from external reality. For example, time might be experienced differently, with events happening simultaneously or nonlinearly. The geography and layout of the inner world might also be different from the external physical world.
Emotional experiences: Emotions can be experienced as intensely in the inner world as they are in external reality. This means that feelings like joy, fear, sadness, or love can be just as real and impactful for alters living in the inner world.
Sensations: Some individuals with DID report that they can feel sensations, such as touch or physical contact, within the inner world. For example, an alter may be able to experience a hug from another alter as if it were a real hug, with all the associated emotional and physical sensations.
Fantastical alters: In some cases, alters may have identities that differ significantly from the physical world's norms. These can include mythical, fantastical, or fictional identities. While these identities are part of the internal world and have their subjective experiences, it's essential to remember that they exist within the context of a dissociative disorder and are not physically separate entities.
It's important to note that DID is a highly complex and individualized disorder, and experiences can differ greatly from one person to another. Treatment for DID often involves therapy and working with the different alters to foster communication, understanding, and cooperation among them, helping individuals live more integrated lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling with DID or related issues, seeking support from a qualified mental health professional with experience in dissociative disorders is crucial.