It’s important to learn how to live with the memories of the past when you’ve faced a traumatic event in your life. It is possible to do so without feeling overwhelmed by them, and many people are able to move on and heal with the right kind of treatment. However, there is a greater challenge to be faced for many trauma survivors.
If you’re a trauma victim, your brain and mind were altered to be prepared to deal with the worst because of what life gave you. At times, this can result in a condition called Dissociative Identity Disorder (or DID), and it is often used as a primary way of survival in many trauma victims.
What is Dissociative Identity Disorder?
In his book, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma, Dr. Bessel Van der Kolk discusses DID and how he has seen it present in a number of his patients. In the past, it was called Multiple Personality Disorder, and it is characterized by taking on a new persona or personality; essentially, becoming a different person altogether. Those with DID even use different names, and they may dress differently, be different ages, or have different experiences.
If you think about it, we all have different parts to ourselves. We can be happy, giving, sincere, or angry. We can become rageful, tearful, or joyful; and sometimes at the drop of a hat. Dr. Van der Kolk describes these parts as being more than just feelings; but distinct ways of being with their own agendas, roles and beliefs. His research has shown that these parts generally coexist within everyone; but they usually don’t converse with each other.
When a traumatic event occurs, some of these parts sometimes split off in a break down of the entire self-system. As a result, each part can hold different memories and beliefs, and some parts carry the brunt of the pain related to the trauma. This is so that the entire weight of the event does not have to be carried alone.
Treating Dissociative Identity Disorder in Trauma
Sometimes people are aware that they have DID, and they may be aware of many different identities within themselves. Other times, they are not aware. Either way, it is the therapist’s job to ensure him or her that all identities are welcome and accepted. There is a significant chance that at least one of the parts is destructive, even suicidal, but knowing that all parts were created as a way of surviving, even if they seem threatening.
The key is to identify the various identities or parts and give them a description. Doing so makes them much less scary to the victim, and helps that person to understand what is happening, and promotes the healing process.
It can be confusing to be confronted with so many parts or identities when you’re a trauma victim. After some time, you might lose touch with which part characterizes who you really are. Trauma therapy can help you learn more if you believe you suffer from DID. This knowledge might just be the key that prepares you for healing.
I can help you by providing trauma therapy that meets you where you are, and offers you hope. Please contact me to make an appointment.
