Important strategies to support a loved one with DID

Family, and close friends of someone with DID may find the following strategies important and useful:

• Learn what you can about DID, its treatment and what you can do to assist recovery. Sometimes the person with DID finds it difficult to explain to others how hard it is for them, or they may have trouble understanding what is happening to them and their behaviour.
• Listen with acceptance and understanding to whatever your loved one chooses to share. Also remember to talk to them in a way that makes sense to the person in         front of you. If it is a child’s personality, maybe use colouring-in pencils and paper to communicate.
• Try to learn what each identity or part enjoys and likes. This will help you spend time with them and understand their boundaries. The process can be frustrating and confusing – it is important to find support and link with others who may have experience with the process.
• Help the person to recognise stress and find ways of coping with it. This may include helping to solve problems that are worrying them.
• Find ways of getting time out for yourself and feeling okay about this. It is critical to do what is needed to maintain your own wellbeing.
• Be cautious about touching and intimacy – ask the person what is okay.
• Don’t overlook any situation or suggestion from the person experiencing DID that they are suicidal and wanting to end their life. Get support for this immediately.

Excerpt from:~Mental Health Foundation of NZ. Dissociation (DID) learn about DID. treatment options and supporting loved ones -link to full article mentalhealth.org.nz/conditions/condition/dissociative-identity-disorder-did