Dissociative identity disorder (DID), also called multiple personality disorder, is characterized by the presence of two or more identities, each with different behaviors, moods and emotions. In many cases the affected person may be completely unaware that they have more than one personality. If someone close to you is affected by this disorder, it is important to remember to offer your support and love. Go to the first step to learn about some methods to better manage living with someone with DID.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Creating a Safe Environment for Your Loved One
Step 1. Try to understand the disorder
It is important to have a fundamental role in understanding the disorder, its symptoms, its causes and how to help in the reintegration process. To understand the disorder in depth it is important to talk about it with a specialist who can guide you in the discovery of this pathology. Some basic things to understand include:
- Knowing that when a person is affected by dissociative identity disorder, he has multiple personalities that predominate over his own. Each personality has its own memories, so if your loved one does something while he is controlled by another personality, he will probably not remember it.
- The common cause of the disorder is abuse, trauma or violence suffered during childhood.
- Symptoms of dissociative identity disorder include hallucinations, amnesia (memory loss), episodes of dissociative fugue in which the subject wanders in search of something without knowing what or why, depression and anxiety.
Step 2. Do not panic when you are faced with another personality
The first rule is to avoid panicking when you are in a situation where your loved one changes personality. All you can do is stay calm. Remember that the subject with dissociative identity disorder could have between 2 and 100 personalities, and each of these is different. They could be adult personalities or children. The person could suddenly switch to another personality even during work, a conversation or an activity.
Step 3. Be patient
Your loved one is facing an extremely complicated situation. While you may feel frustrated or hurt over something he has done, it is important to remember that he is probably not aware of what he is saying. He is not in control when other personalities predominate, so try to be patient, even if an alter tells you something or acts in a way that hurts you.
Step 4. Show him your empathy
In addition to patience, you also need to have empathy. Your loved one is going through a terrible experience. He will need all the love and support you can offer him. Say nice things to him, listen to him when he wants to talk about his problem, and show him that you care.
Step 5. Avoid conflicts and other stressful situations
Stress is one of the triggers of personality change. Do your best to reduce your loved one's stress. It is also important to avoid stressful situations through arguments or quarrels. If your loved one does something that makes you angry, take a moment to breathe deeply and control your anger. You can talk later about what irritated you and how it might prevent it in the future.
If you don't approve of something your loved one said or says, use the “Yes, but…” technique to avoid direct confrontation
Step 6. Keep your loved one engaged in some activities
While some people with dissociative identity disorder are able to manage their time and plan their activities independently, others are unable. If your loved one is having trouble remembering what they should do, help them carry out the activities they have planned.
Make a plan to keep in a place where they can find it. On the schedule, write down important things he should do, as well as some suggestions for fun activities
Part 2 of 3: Helping Your Loved One Remember
Step 1. Make sure your loved one gets the help they need
Make sure she takes medications to treat the symptoms that are often associated with dissociative identity disorder, such as depression or anxiety, or that your loved one goes to her therapist for sessions. Remind her of the medications she needs to take daily and make a schedule of therapy sessions and any other appointments.
Step 2. Learn to recognize the warning signs of a crisis
Although each person is different, there are some signs that almost everyone experiences before a personality change occurs. These signs include:
- Recurring flashbacks to violence or bad memories.
- Depression or distress.
- Frequent mood swings.
- Loss of memory.
- Aggressive behavior.
- Trance states.
Step 3. Keep track of your loved one's personal items
When a person is subject to a personality change, the memories of the other personalities fade away. This can make it very difficult to remember items such as wallets, cell phones, etc. Take an inventory of your loved one's belongings and put stickers with your name and phone number on each one so that if someone finds them they can call you.
It is also important that you have a copy of your loved one's personal documents, including their identity card, health card, passwords, etc
Step 4. Monitor any tendency to self-harm
People suffering from dissociative identity disorder have almost always been victims of some form of abuse during their childhood. Self-harm behaviors such as suicidal tendencies, violence, drug abuse are common in people with dissociative identity disorder, because they hope that such behaviors can end the shame, horror and fear that come with it. past violence.
If you notice that your loved one has started exhibiting self-injurious behavior, contact your therapist or the police immediately
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of Yourself
Step 1. Give yourself time to indulge in your favorite activities
It is very important to have time to devote to yourself. Taking care of someone with dissociative identity disorder can become very stressful, so remember to lead a healthy life and give yourself some rest and relaxation a few times. Sometimes there will be a need to prioritize your needs to maintain the physical and mental strength needed to provide adequate support for your loved one with the disorder.
Step 2. Take breaks when you need them
Schedule times on your own where you don't have to worry about someone else's time management. Keep in touch with your friends and be sure to go out and indulge in some time off every week. Taking a break could help you regain strength to continue being patient and understanding towards your loved one.
Sign up for a yoga class that helps you focus on yourself and regain inner peace. Yoga and meditation could be two great ways to help you relax and ease your tensions and worries
Step 3. Attend family therapy
There are specific therapeutic sessions for family members of people with DID. It is very important to attend them to learn other ways to help your loved one overcome the disorder and keep you strong.
There are also support groups where you can meet other people living with someone with DID. You can talk to your therapist about it or search the internet to find one near your home
Step 4. Don't be pessimistic
While some days may seem very depressing, you should always be optimistic. With your support and with the help of a therapist, your loved one could overcome the disorder.
Advice
- Develop your own way of calming down - count to ten, repeat a sentence, or do some breathing exercises.
- Remember that your loved one may not be in control of what they say and do - don't take it personally.
