People with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) may indeed experience living with more than one distinct personality or identity at a time. These distinct identities are often referred to as "alters." Each alter can have its own unique traits, memories, emotions, and ways of perceiving the world.
When a person with DID switches from one alter to another, it means that one alter takes control of the person's behavior and consciousness, while the previous alter recedes into the background. This switch can happen suddenly or gradually, and the person may or may not have awareness or memory of what occurred during the time when another alter was in control.
It's important to note that DID is a complex and controversial disorder, and it is still not fully understood by researchers and mental health professionals. The causes of DID are believed to be linked to severe trauma experienced during childhood, often as a coping mechanism to deal with overwhelming or unbearable experiences.
Each alter within a person with DID may have a unique backstory and characteristics. These identities can communicate with each other internally, often referred to as "inner communication." However, the degree of communication and cooperation between alters can vary significantly from person to person.
The experience of living with DID can be challenging and distressing, as the person may struggle with memory gaps, dissociative episodes, and a sense of identity fragmentation. Therapy is a crucial aspect of treatment for DID, aiming to help individuals integrate their identities and develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage their condition.