In Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), alters (alternate personalities) can go dormant voluntarily or involuntarily. Going dormant means an alter becomes less active or present within the person's consciousness. This can happen for various reasons:
Self-protection: Alters may choose to go dormant as a way to protect themselves or the host (the core identity) from distressing or overwhelming situations. If a particular alter finds a situation too threatening, they may withdraw to avoid experiencing the distress associated with it.
Avoidance: Some alters might choose to go dormant to avoid specific memories, emotions, or responsibilities. If an alter holds traumatic memories or experiences, they may opt to retreat from the front (the state of being in control of the body and consciousness) to escape from dealing with the trauma.
Internal dynamics: Alters can have complex relationships with each other. In some cases, an alter may voluntarily go dormant if their role or function is no longer necessary, or if another alter can handle the tasks more effectively.
Therapeutic reasons: During therapy for DID, alters may decide to go dormant temporarily or permanently as part of the therapeutic process. For example, if an alter feels that integration (merging with other alters) is the right course of action, they might choose to fade away gradually.
Involuntary dormancy: In certain situations, alters may go dormant involuntarily due to internal conflicts, high levels of stress, or external factors that disrupt their presence.
It's important to note that the inner workings of DID are complex, and the experiences of individuals with the disorder can differ significantly. Additionally, the process of alters going dormant or resurfacing can be a gradual and fluid one.
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties related to DID, it's essential to seek professional help from a mental health specialist experienced in treating dissociative disorders. A qualified therapist can provide appropriate support and interventions to help individuals manage their symptoms and work towards healing and recovery.