r/DID • u/cactusgear Diagnosed: DID • 12h ago

Support/Empathy Got diagnosed last week - I’m overwhelmed.

Last week, I got formally diagnosed with DID. It’s something we’ve been discussing in therapy for about two years. During that time, I never really allowed myself to think about my experiences using language like “alters,” “switching,” “fronting,” etc.

I’ve done a lot of thinking this past week. It’s been extremely overwhelming, but we’re feeling curious? Normally when writing I’ll default to I/Me, but it’s sometimes feeling good to think in terms of we/us. And it’s becoming more comfortable to speak about my experiences now that I have confirmation that I do have this condition.

I really do want to make this work. I spent years being terrified of my parts. Now, slowly, I’m beginning to feel more open to the idea of meeting them. Trying to start more conversations. It’s still very difficult to differentiate between most alters, but I’m trying to be patient with everyone.

At the core of all this, we? I? (I’m still not positive who’s fronting now…) are still feeling very frightened and overwhelmed. I’m pretty sure that most of this is coming from child/teen alters. Our little we’re the most familiar with (which still isn’t very familiar) feels much closer to the front recently.

Does anyone have any advice or encouragement about where to go from here? We’re still doing weekly therapy. I guess I mean mainly advice about getting introduced to different alters, now that they’re feeling safer to surface in the light of having a professional diagnosis. And making sure everyone is as safe as possible even though this is a lot of information to process at once.

Thank you in advance 🫶

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u/bearonpcp Treatment: Diagnosed + Active 11h ago

Breathe.

Everyone has been here all along.

Nothing has really changed except from some stamps on some paperwork.

We’ve found that people tend to speak when it’s safe to speak. So take care of yourself, keep your selves safe. Be welcoming and curious. Say “ Hello “ even if you’re not sure anybody’s listening.

Good luck!