Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.
Unknown userMember
In response to: I know this post is going to be 'moderated', but I really don't care.
Unknown userMember
In response to: Re: I know this post is going to be 'moderated', but I really don't care.
Phoenix_RisingSenior Contributor
Hi @Former-Member and @Faith-and-Hope,
Awesome job on emailing your therapist @Former-Member. I can imagine how superly duperly scary that must be for you!
@Faith-and-Hope can I just flag that dissociation is a very common phenomenon that falls along a spectrum, with DID being at the very far end. At the other end are pretty common experiences such as driving somewhere and then not really remembering how you got there because you were so busy thinking of other stuff, you were driving on "autopilot." Between these two extremes there are a gazillion experiences that fall under the heading of dissociation.
Even dissociation to the extent of having different "parts" is not necessarily indicative of DID. Indeed, some types of therapy encourage conceptualising the personality as being made up of parts (I think you have some experience in that area, @Faith-and-Hope). I just wanted to flag this because although it is great to talk about DID as a possibility, it is important to recognise that it is entirely possible to have parts/alters etc. without having DID.
When are you next seeing your therapist @Former-Member? I hope it isn't too far away as I know you will probably be fretting about the email until you see him.
In response to: Re: I know this post is going to be 'moderated', but I really don't care.
Unknown userMember
In response to: I know this post is going to be 'moderated', but I really don't care.
CatcakesSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: I know this post is going to be 'moderated', but I really don't care.
Phoenix_RisingSenior Contributor
An exam and an essay sound like they will definitely fill in your time between now and Wednesday @Former-Member!
In response to: Re: I know this post is going to be 'moderated', but I really don't care.
Unknown userMember
In response to: Re: I know this post is going to be 'moderated', but I really don't care.
Phoenix_RisingSenior Contributor
No way in the world I could do it @Former-Member, but I'm sure you can. 
In response to: Re: I know this post is going to be 'moderated', but I really don't care.
Unknown userMember
In response to: Re: I know this post is going to be 'moderated', but I really don't care.
Faith-and-HopeSenior Contributor
I agree entirely @Phoenix_Rising .....and I am so glad you are already with a therapist who would know @Former-Member .....and now you have taken that leap and emailed him your questions ..... so well done !!
Rather than being afraid of that vulnerability, take the baby steps in that direction, stopping to get your balance back if you feel too wobbly at any point ..... because it beats being bound up in all the fears of “what if” or “maybe this, maybe that”. As @Phoenix_Rising said, (and she is likely to know much more than me in this direction), there are many circumstances along the spectrum that these symptoms may relate to. Slowly and carefully working it out with your therapist is what they are there for, but they can’t know what your symptoms are if you are too afraid to tell them, or ask the questions that you need answers for.
As @Catcakes has said, she too uses the strategy of taking a photo of where she has parked her car. Applying strategies will help you feel more secure too ..... and those like your therapist who are knowledgeable about the dissociation spectrum are also likely to be knowledgeable about coping strategies as well. And they may be able to suggest online support, and support groups.
Its another way to not feel so alone or weird in your circumstances ..... “normal” is different for everyone .... and things that appear to be weaknesses can in fact be strengths when viewed through a different lense.
In response to: Re: I know this post is going to be 'moderated', but I really don't care.
Faith-and-HopeSenior Contributor
Glad to hear you have got the uni assignments as distractions too @Former-Member ..... 👍
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
Fields marked * are required
