Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day takes place on March 5 annually. The day is used to create awareness about D.I.D. People who have D.I.D. may feel like they have multiple personalities living in their bodies. These personalities may have different names, ages, genders, and appearances. D.I.D. is often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. By raising awareness, the general public can gain a better understanding of the condition. It also helps to create validation for people with D.I.D. They can accept their multiplicity and share their experiences with others. People with D.I.D. are encouraged to share their stories online, at events, and with friends, family, and health professionals.
History of Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day
Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day originally started as National Multiple Personality Day. Dissociative identity disorder is caused by traumatic events and/or abuse occurring in childhood. Abuse can include neglect and the failure to respond to the child. Other early and chronic traumatization can cause it. An example is a medical trauma, involving multiple painful and prolonged medical procedures at an early age. It is most prominent when traumas begin before the age of five.
When early childhood trauma occurs, it can cause dissociative identity disorder to develop by preventing the child from forming a cohesive or unified sense of self during their earliest years. This is what is known as the “core personality.” Alternate identities are formed when the prolonged trauma causes the different behavioral states that are present from birth to become increasingly disconnected from each other. People who have D.I.D. may experience memory loss and out-of-body experiences. Some also experience detachment from sensations and emotions.
Developing multiple identities is a coping mechanism that protects the child. It keeps trauma memories and emotions contained with specific identities so that they do not overwhelm the child completely. The person may believe that a traumatic event happened to a specific personality and not to them. This allows them to dissociate from the event and not have to deal with the fact that it happened.
More studies have helped the medical community to better understand the disorder. Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day sheds light on the disorder and helps those affected.
Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day timeline
The Statistical Manual for the Use of Institutions for the Insane refers to the condition as hysterical neurosis.
The condition is referred to as dissociated personality reaction.
The name changes and becomes Multiple Personality Disorder.
The condition is now called dissociative identity disorder.
Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day FAQs
What are the symptoms of D.I.D.?
Some symptoms of D.I.D. include confusion, memory loss, and an altered mood and mental state.
Does D.I.D. affect the body?
D.I.D. can lead to distorted views of the body and a feeling of being unable to recognize oneself in the mirror.
What causes D.I.D.?
D.I.D. is usually caused by a past traumatic event, usually occurring early in childhood.
How to Observe Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day
Take a dissociative test
Explore and find out more about your personality traits. You will get to learn more about yourself.
Learn more about those around you
Take the dissociative test with a friend. You will see how different people can be and how much they can also have in common.
Learn about D.I.D.
Learn more about dissociative identity disorder. You can also help by sharing the information with others.
5 Important Facts About Dissociative Identity Disorder
Gender plays a role
Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with D.I.D.
It is a dissociative disorder
It has always been classified as a dissociative disorder and not a personality disorder.
It is not so rare
Dissociative identity disorder is relatively common and affects between 1% to 3% of the population.
There are many symptoms
Most people with D.I.D. have a mix of dissociative and posttraumatic symptoms, which may also include non-trauma-related symptoms.
It causes amnesia
People with D.I.D. can have amnesia for significant events in the past or events in everyday life.
Why Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day is Important
It creates awareness
It helps spread information about D.I.D. This allows more people to know how to manage the disorder.
It empowers people
It allows people affected by the disorder to share their stories and this empowers them. Others will also accept those who have D.I.D., which creates understanding.
It creates validation
Education is key to understanding. The more educated the public is about the condition, the more it creates general validation.
Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 5 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | March 5 | Thursday |
| 2027 | March 5 | Friday |
| 2028 | March 5 | Sunday |
| 2029 | March 5 | Monday |
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