Friends, Family & Carers Forum

[Duckie18]

Does anyone else have a family member/friend/partner with Dissociative Identity Disorder (or OSDD/related disorder)? 

I know there was a similar post a while back, but figured I'd start my own. 

My partner of 3 years has DID (I've been aware from almost the start), and I have never had or found any sort of support or support groups - or even someone else dating a system - before.

How do partners/friends/family keep themselves stable and with support? Nobody really understands my situation and the unique challenges and situations that come with supporting a system (I wouldn't change it for the world, don't get me wrong - but sometimes it's hard!). Friends do their best, and I appreciate it, but really all of us are struggling to understand and cope sometimes. 

Hope everyone has an amazing day/night - remember to drink some water 🙂

- Duckie

[Blobbie]

Hi Duckie, you have a tough job ahead of you! My Mum is DiD and I grew up with her so I know a bit about it. 
is your partner in therapy? Do they have a systems map? Do you have strategies to have conversations with different alters who might not be verbal?... such as a scrapbook of favourite pictures or a playlist of favourite sounds/music. Also a box of tactile objects can be helpful, comforting fluffy animals or flowers or something.

i find that you can have these scrapbooks etc put away in a cupboard so they are not around all the time but bring them out when necessary. 🙂

[Fievel]

Good Evening. I'm a full time carer for my elderly mother with DID and recently took this on after my father passed away last year. 

I've found support through Carers Victoria and Carers Gateway. They have all offered carer councilling and coaching which have been very useful. These are free services to carers. You could call your local council to see which organisations are local to your area.