If you find yourself in a situation where your friend's alters (alternate personalities) become aggressive and physically hit you, it's essential to prioritize your safety and well-being. Here are some steps to consider taking:
Protect Yourself: First and foremost, try to remove yourself from the immediate danger and ensure your safety. If necessary, find a safe place away from the alter that is exhibiting aggressive behavior.
Remain Calm: It can be challenging and distressing to experience violence from someone you care about, even if it is their alter and not their primary personality. Try to remain as calm as possible to avoid escalating the situation further.
Communicate Clearly: If it is safe to do so, communicate with the person's primary personality about what happened. Be honest and express your concerns about the aggressive behavior you experienced from the alter.
Understand Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): If your friend has been diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), it's essential to learn about the condition. Understanding how alters function and their triggers can help you respond more effectively and compassionately.
Encourage Professional Help: Encourage your friend to seek help from a mental health professional who specializes in DID. Therapy can be beneficial in helping your friend manage their alters and address any harmful behaviors.
Set Boundaries: Make it clear to your friend that physical violence is unacceptable and that you cannot tolerate being hit or harmed. Set clear boundaries about what behavior you are willing to accept in the relationship.
Support and Empathy: Dealing with DID can be incredibly challenging for your friend, so try to offer your support and empathy. Let them know that you care about their well-being and want to see them get the help they need to manage their condition.
Consider Your Own Well-Being: Take care of yourself during this process. If you feel overwhelmed or unsafe, it might be necessary to distance yourself from the situation temporarily and seek support from other friends, family, or a therapist.
Remember that safety is paramount, and if you ever feel that you are in immediate danger, remove yourself from the situation and seek help from appropriate authorities. Encourage your friend to seek professional help to address the underlying issues and develop healthier coping mechanisms for their alters.