A Couple of Multiples: The Reality of Living with Dissociative Identity Disorder

Trigger warning: This episode mentions suicidal ideation, attempts, self-harm, eating disorders, and specific types of trauma. Being diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder is a complex journey fraught with misdiagnoses, unnecessary medications, and well-meaning therapists that miss the mark, unfortunately. This leads to years of suffering, which we hope to shorten by educating and raising awareness of what having DID really looks like. While we detail how the DSM-V criteria shows up in our lives, we also go over many signs and flags that were missed that indicated dissociative identities. References:  Skałbania, J., Polewik, K., Pietkiewicz, I. J., & Tomalski, R. (2021). Divided mind – divided brain. the neurobiology of dissociative identity disorder from the perspective of dynamical systems theory. Journal of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, 21(1), 27-27–35. doi:https://doi.org/10.15557/PiPK.2021.0003.

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Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves

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Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops!

This podcast is for education and sharing experiences. It is not therapy, medical advice, or a substitute for individualized care from a qualified professional. The experiences and perspectives shared here may not reflect those of every system. Guest views are their own. Listening does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

This episode discusses trauma, dissociation, and therapy. Please listen at your own pace and pause or step away whenever you need to.

And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples.

Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5:

Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of S...

This first episode introduces you to the hosts of the podcast, Drew and Garden System, who are a couple that have both been diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder. They take you through a day in the life of a couple of multiples, that have full time careers, are raising four teenagers and a house full of pets. Listeners will gain a realistic depiction of what day to day life is like living with this condition. The goal for this episode is to talk about DID in a way that someone who knows nothing about DID will be able to understand. This episode is not only intended to educate the public, but also to validate the experiences of those living with the disorder, and also be a resource for therapists to learn and understand this condition.

Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem, @mindfulmultiplicityinstitute

Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves

Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 

Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops!

This podcast is for education and sharing experiences. It is not therapy, medical advice, or a substitute for individualized care from a qualified professional. The experiences and perspectives shared here may not reflect those of every system. Guest views are their own. Listening does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

This episode discusses trauma, dissociation, and therapy. Please listen at your own pace and pause or step away whenever you need to.

And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples.

Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5:

Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of S...

A brief introduction to your hosts and our hopes for this podcast.

Follow us on Instagram: @acoupleofmultiples, @note_to_selves, @seidi_gardensystem, @mindfulmultiplicityinstitute

Follow us on TikTok: @seidi_gardensystem, @note_to_selves

Follow us on Facebook: A Couple of Multiples - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556823127239 

Visit our website: acoupleofmultiples.com to sign up for our mailing list, join our private, on-line community Hearts Multiplied, register for peer coaching, consultations, and workshops!

This podcast is for education and sharing experiences. It is not therapy, medical advice, or a substitute for individualized care from a qualified professional. The experiences and perspectives shared here may not reflect those of every system. Guest views are their own. Listening does not establish a therapeutic relationship.

This episode discusses trauma, dissociation, and therapy. Please listen at your own pace and pause or step away whenever you need to.

And most importantly: remember that every system is different. What works for one may not work for another—and that’s okay. Your journey is valid, your healing is real, and we’re so glad you’re hanging out with A Couple of Multiples.

Articles cited in Seasons 4 & 5:

Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., Krüger, C., Korzekwa, M., Martínez-Taboas, A., & Middleton, W. (2016). Separating Fact from Fiction: An Empirical Examination of S...