Comments on: Plural Selves FAQ

By: Meg-John Barker

Meg-John Barker — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 15:48:37 +0000

In reply to EW.

Thanks so much for this comment.

In the first post we did on this theme (rewriting-the-rules.com/self/plural-selves-faq/) we wondered whether it might be more helpful to see plurality on a number of spectrums rather than something people are – or are not – and perhaps a similar thing applies to degree of dissociation, how much it’s rooted in trauma, etc. But then we do always go for a non-binary approach!

Seeing DID as what our brain did to enable us to survive resonates deeply for us too, as does that sense of how naming it can help in bonding with others.

So glad it gave you things to think about 🙂

By: EW

EW — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 16:06:13 +0000

I’m amazed to find out you are plural, it is inspiring for us who have DID to see someone doing all the cool stuff you are doing.
I’m unsure how I feel about the idea of everyone being plural, I would imagine the experience of parts due to childhood trauma is very different to the experience of someone without trauma to that degree. I have spoken to friends who can feel very different in different situations, but it still feels like ‘them’. Whereas I can experience thoughts and feelings and memories that are distinctly not mine.
Maybe this comes back to the idea of plurality as a spectrum. And maybe this post is geared at the non-plural audience rather than the DID/OSDD audience.
I find diagnoses helpful as a descriptor of my experience and a bond to others who have had similar experiences. With DID I don’t see it as a disorder to be fixed but how my brain helped us survive.
However there is a lot that needs to be healed that contributed to us forming DID in the first place. Symptoms that can be disruptive or make life unmanageable etc. The coinciding C-PTSD etc.

Interesting to read and has given me things to think about 🙂

By: Meg-John Barker

Meg-John Barker — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 10:18:30 +0000

I’m so glad that you found in helpful. Thanks for sharing your response. It’s definitely something to go slow and gentle with – and get support around if possible – as it can be scary to recognise this stuff in ourselves, especially in a world that isn’t very accepting of such experiences.

By: K

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 18:29:33 +0000

I absolutely love this, I’ve just got used to the fact that my sexuality may not be what I thought and now I may not be what I thought. I do, and don’t, identify with what is written and find that a little bit scary. (I often have conversations in my head as if I were more than one person). MJB I love the way you turn how I look at things on its head and show a new and different perspective, thank you!