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Topics for the Dissociative Identity Movement


~~~Month Outline for the Dissociative Identity Movement~~~

LAUNCHING MARCH 2020

  1. What are “personality” & “consciousness”? How do they develop? How does consciousness affect personality? How does the development of consciousness affect each individual’s experience of life? How is early childhood development relevant to dissociative identity disorder?

  2. What is dissociation? How & why does dissociation occur? What can it feel like to experience dissociation? What are the benefits & harms of dissociation?

  3. How & why does a dissociative identity develop?

  4. What are the similarities & differences between mental disorders & neurodevelopmental disorders? Why is dissociative identity disorder a neurodevelopmental disorder rather than a mental illness?

  5. What is the diagnostic criteria for dissociative identity disorder? What diagnostic tools can help lead to an accurate diagnosis? Optional: What are pros & cons of receiving a diagnosis {is it required to heal}?

  6. What are other common symptoms of dissociative identity disorder {not included in the diagnostic criteria}?

  7. What is dissociative amnesia? What is it like to live with dissociative amnesia? How can loved ones support those living with dissociative amnesia?

  8. What is age regression? What are symptoms of age regression? What are some struggles of living with age regression? What is it like to experience age regression?

  9. What is the difference between psychosis & dissociation?

  10. How do other mental health diagnoses compare & contrast with dissociative identity disorder?

  11. What health battles often accompany trauma survivors? What are some comorbidities/ dual diagnoses of those living with a dissociative identity?

  12. ​How does the development of a dissociative identity affect the autonomic nervous system? How does this affect the individual’s experience of life moving forward? What is it like to experience chronic nervous system dysregulation? What are some of the day to day struggles of living with a chronically dysregulated nervous system?

  13. ​How do parts of consciousness continue to support the consciousness as a whole? What is the role of individual parts? What are the jobs or responsibilities of each separate part in relation to the system/consciousness as a whole?

  14. Why are self-harm, suicidal ideations, substance abuse & addiction, & eating-disordered common in individuals living with structural dissociation? How do these unhealthy coping mechanisms effectively regulate a dysregulated autonomic nervous system?

  15. What day to day difficulties arise when living with {any mental health battle? or just} structural dissociation or a dissociative identity? #TheGiftOfSanity

  16. What treatment options are available? What is the summary of each method? What are the potential benefits of the treatment? What are some of the potential harms or downsides to this approach? What is Janina Fisher’s multi-conscious parts approach? What is the most effective approach to trauma treatment? What are some struggles of providing {for therapists} or receiving {for clients} trauma treatment, especially for those living with a dissociative identity?

  17. What is the hope moving forward as effective treatment models progress? What treatments do clients {those living with structural dissociation &/or a dissociative identity} wish were available? What do therapist wish clients could express more effectively? How can we learn to work together more effectively despite the amount of treatment challenges?

  18. What are ways to stay grounded through dissociation? How can you build a Coping Tricks Toolbox filled with coping resources & grounding techniques? What internal & external resources can be used to help cope with symptoms related to structural dissociation?

  19. How can someone with structural dissociation communicate with their subconscious parts? How can you make contact with parts? How can effective internal work be achieved? What steps are necessary to work with parts of consciousness within structural dissociation?

  20. What are some “warning signs” that could potentially help family or friends recognize symptoms of structural dissociation in their loved one?

  21. How can loved ones {close friends, family, romantic partner} & the community {more general, like co-workers & employers & teachers} support those living with structural dissociation or a dissociative identity?

  22. What beautiful wonders do multi-conscious minds have to offer this world? Mosaic Mind Pride Day. {March 30}

  23. What does it mean to live with a dissociative identity? {March 31st}