How do I help her?

Question

my best friend has dissociative identity disorder. She has about 25 'alters' and 'switches' all the time. I love her! I want to help her!... what can I do. i listen to her problems, but isn't there something I can DO?

She is in counseling.

Answer 1

You can gently encourage her to get help from someone who's trained in working with DPD. Whether or not she takes your advice you can still love every bit of her. She's a very lucky girl to have a friend who cares.

Answer 2

First of all, no she doesnt. Most reputable psychologists worth their salt dont even use this diagnosis anymore. Was popularized by a fool who termed it Multiple Personality Disorder. Also popularized by a few noteworthy movies. Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Harvard. Most follow the one person, one personality thought. We are only one person. To an extent , people who have been seriously abused (physically and sexually) might dissociate from triggered events but that doesnt change who they are. Pretty good chance youre being manipulated. Especially if she is aware of the other personalities. We dont like being told that we are not in control. If they are aware of their other 'alters' then they are lying. Ive worked in the field for many years and its just not a diagnosis that is used too often. In fact, hardly ever.

Answer 3

You can't do anything, nor is it your responsibility to help her until SHE asks for it! - which might be pretty tough in this case. In the event she does ask for help, find her the best treatment clinic in the world and send her there.

But don't mortgage the kids.

Answer 4

Sounds like she may be manic-depressive to me. She needs to see a therapist or get into counselling.

Answer 5

do as much reading as you can about it.

be there for her....accept that she has that problem

I applaud you for loving your friend that much.


check out this link.....it is set to a page that gives you a lot of reading to do with your friends disorder