Dissociative Identity Disorder is Not Schizophrenia by Holly Gray
I suppose people confusing the two can be a good way to open a discussion about mental illness and the misconceptions about it. I don't discuss DID openly with many people I know, but the conversations I have had make me half sarcastically wonder if I shouldn't carry note cards with DID key points on them to pass out. If I did this is what is would look like:
- No I am not possessed. If you suggest it in any way I will be pissed.
-I am not Schizophrenic. It is possible to have DID and Schizophrenia at the same time, but the two are not at all the same thing. It is just as offensive to assume I have Schizophrenia as to assume a Schizophrenic has multiple personalities. There is no sliding scale between DID and Schizophrenia. DID does not contain some degree of Schizophrenia, and Schizophrenia does not contain some degree of DID.
-Even though I may have DID ( substitute; Schizophrenia, Bi-Polar, OCD, Depression, or PTSD), I am in no way less worthy than you. If I had blue fangs and a third eye I would still be your fucking equal, and Dissociative Identity Disorder doesn't even come close to that.
-Yes, I am intelligent. Yes, I have a mental disorder. No, that is not a contradiction.
-DID is more scary for me than it is for you
-Having a mental disorder does not make me dangerous. Dangerous people are dangerous. Mentally ill people are mentally ill.
2 comments:
I have so wanted to say everything you just wrote to the people I know and also come in contact with! I am Schizophrenic and Multiple Personalities and you are right they are not the same at all! I was diagnosed when I was 25 I turn 36 in July. I have come to accept the others and I'm kinda aware when some are present others not so much. I don't come across many who have animal alters like I do. I want to Thank You for posting this and I like your blog Very Much!
Thank you! I very much enjoy having this blog. It helps me sort out my thoughts and views, and educate myself. It is difficult to come across people's misconceptions when you don't know what to say back. I think though, it is a step towards awareness for everyone.
Post a Comment