When interacting with a person with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) or any other mental health condition, it's essential to be sensitive, respectful, and understanding. Here are some things to avoid saying to someone with DID:
"It's all in your head" or "You're making it up": These statements invalidate their experiences and can be hurtful. DID is a genuine mental health condition that requires empathy and support.
"Just snap out of it" or "You need to control your alters": Managing DID is not as simple as "snapping out" of it or controlling alters. It's a complex dissociative disorder that requires professional help and therapeutic support.
"You're crazy" or "You're insane": Stigmatizing language can be harmful and only adds to the person's distress. Avoid using derogatory terms or labels.
"I don't believe in DID" or "That's not real": Denying the reality of their experiences can be extremely invalidating and dismissive.
"Can I meet your alters?" or "Can I switch personalities?": Avoid curiosity-driven questions that can be intrusive. The decision to introduce alters to others is entirely up to the individual with DID and their therapists.
"You must be dangerous": Associating DID with violence or danger is unfair and incorrect. People with DID are not inherently violent, and such assumptions perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
"You're just seeking attention": Accusing someone of seeking attention can exacerbate feelings of shame and guilt.
"You don't need medication, just willpower": Medication can be an essential part of treatment for some individuals with DID, and suggesting otherwise can be harmful.
"You seem fine to me" or "You don't look like you have a mental illness": Mental health conditions like DID are not always visible, and individuals may be adept at concealing their struggles.
"Why can't you remember that?": Questions that emphasize memory gaps may cause distress. Avoid probing about lost time or memory lapses.
"You're possessed" or "You need an exorcism": Associating DID with possession or suggesting supernatural solutions is not helpful and can be offensive.
"Just think positive" or "Cheer up, and you'll feel better": Mental health conditions are not simply cured by positive thinking. Suggesting this minimizes the seriousness of their struggles.
Instead of saying things that may inadvertently hurt or invalidate the person, focus on offering empathy, support, and understanding. Listening without judgment and being patient can go a long way in helping someone with DID feel valued and respected. If you're unsure about how to respond, it's okay to express your willingness to learn more about their experiences or to ask how you can be supportive. Encourage them to seek professional help and let them know you are there for them if they need someone to talk to.