You must keep in mind that a recovered traumatic memory does not make for a multiple. And the physical
discomforts that a person may be experiencing could simply relate to a troubled past filled with stress and
anxiety without being multiple.
We all know that when we are under a certain amount of stress that our bodies may suffer as a result with
headaches, shoulder and neck pains, heart trouble etc. But as of yet there is no set guideline for treatment
of MPD/DID that the psychological community has agreed upon, plus there is still the question of whether
this disorder can really exist within that community.
However all one needs to do is talk to the survivors who have resorted to this method of survival and created
their own system (a defense mechanism) to truly believe that they are indeed suffering. Because the
treatment for DID is still undetermined, there is no particular method that can be absolutely duplicated to fit
each survivor and their systems. However I believe that a basic guideline can be followed for every
survivor with MPD/DID.
Therapy
This is your chance to unload all of your thoughts and feelings! You need to deal with the past and bring the
secrets into the light in order to let it go and begin living your life as a healthy adult. Just like the ordinary
individual enters into therapy in order to resolve issues that are disrupting their lives so that they can
continue to live healthy, more stable lives, we multiple have the right to the same treatment! In therapy your
ears begin to hear what only your thoughts have been keeping quiet!
Medication
Whether you are severely depressed, have anxiety disorder, PTSD or any other mental disturbances;
medications are extremely helpful in the aid of your therapy and treatment. Don't forget that there are
many types of drugs (for just one condition such as depression) so it may take a while and many different
changes in your prescriptions to get just the right medications that are right for you. By all means, if the
first or second or even third prescription doesn't work out, don't give up!
Hypnosis/Meditation
This is a wonderful technique for the therapist to encourage the survivor to learn healthier ways of coping
with life through hypnosis (a deeper state of relaxation without losing consciousness or falling asleep)!
Actually if you are a survivor then you've probably induced yourself into a hypnotic state of mind for years
and just weren't aware that you were already using this technique. You might even begin to learn how to
"relax" (self hypnotize) at home so that your body does not become overwhelmed with all of the mental
activities.
Journaling
Journaling can be a tremendous tool! After an alter has documented a memory, thought or emotion then you
and other alters can go back and read it. This begins to break down the barriers that have kept the alter
personalities segregated and amnesiac to each other. The information that is being shared now within the
system starts to trigger other alters memories as they learn about and meet each other within the pages of
the journal.
Art
Painting and drawing are also extremely useful, especially for the recovered memories that are just too
horrific to express the intensity of an episode with mere words. You might even surprise yourself and find
that your talents are much more advanced than you ever dreamed they were.
Writing
If you decide to start writing anything such as poetry or short stories or even building your own website,
you might find that the healing process could be enhanced. Remember the more you write (whether it's
journaling, poetry or whatever you decide to write), the more you will learn about yourself and your alters.
Who knows, writing could actually be your "calling"!
Support
Learning how to build a healthy support system can be beneficial in so many ways! When you begin to attract
healthier people into your life, you are "learning" how to be a friend in a healthy way. The toxic people are
the ones who feel better about their own self at your expense (such as sarcasm, laughing at, making fun of
and embarrassing you) will now begin to lose their power as you learn from your new healthy friends how to
reject negative input from others! You are much better off with the new (respectful, caring) friends who
can build up your self-esteem and treat you with the respect that your "spirit" thrives on.
Of course like I said every multiple will respond differently to any guideline, just as non-multiples respond
different with any treatment. The most important thing to remember as you go through your journey to
mental health is to stay safe!
My own personal thoughts are that "Healing" does not mean integration! To heal is to be healthy and happy,
and eventually your alter personalities may indeed decide to take that final step into wholeness!
By: Candy Little
Bravenet.com