Alters

hello!

The word Alter refers to an altered state of consciousness.

It’s hard for people to imagine having more than one identity residing inside of them, however for many this is exactly what they experience.

Just imagine yourself walking into a shop, passing people in the isles getting on with their own lives. Some may be there for the weekly shop, others for bread and milk and some are dragged along by their parents promised a lolly pop afterwards. You all may be in the same shop but you are all there for different reasons, to purchase different things. Now imagine all of those people in the shop are inside of your head, they are all a part of you, and they all have different reasons for residing within you.

 

Each personality state/alter can have different likes, dislikes, accents, age, name and memories that are distinctive to them.

There are many different types of alters that can be present within someone who has DID. Here are a few of the most common.

Child –  child alters are exactly as it says on the tin, they are children. They can vary in age and have just the same interests in toys and fun things as any other child.

Protector – Alters that take on the role of protecting are often much braver and stronger than the original person, and were created to save the child from a once intolerable situation.

Helper – A internal helper is often very knowledgeable about all of the alters within, and is able to help communicate what is needed for everyone to co-exist happily.

When these alters take control it is called a ‘switch’ this can happen very quickly and be barely noticeable, or can take some time if there is a level on internal conflict.  There can be positive or negative triggers that may cause a switch. For example, if a giant ice cream covered in hundreds and thousands was to be seen, then this may cause a child alter to switch and front. The same goes for negative triggers, if there is an actual or perceived threat then the strong and brave protector alter may come forward to make sure that they remain safe.

Although having a whole shop of people inside of your head may seem incredibly daunting and confusing, there is always a reason, and that reason is to protect you.