Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day

Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day is celebrated annually on the 5th of March.

What is dissociative identity disorder day?

Dissociative Identity Awareness Day aims to spread awareness of the existence of the disorder within today’s society and help bring education and success through understanding and compassion.

Previously called Multiple Personality Disorder, those affected with this condition may have memory loss, out-of-body experiences, detachment from emotions, and a lack of self-identity.

The National Alliance of Mental Illness suggests a low percentage of individuals who experience such symptoms and experiences are properly diagnosed.

Current definitions suggest Dissociative Identity Disorder can include multiple personalities, but also includes a wide variety of other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and dissociative episodes. The disorder is usually caused by previous trauma.

What are the goals of Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day?

For individuals affected by the disorder personally, this national day can be empowering, help build confidence and encourage the sharing of stories and promote methods of loving and accepting themselves in a world where this specific disorder is not well known or understood.

Raise awareness about the disorder itself, help others understand what it means to have Dissociative Identity Disorder, and learn about the various ways of managing the disorder in daily life.

How to celebrate Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day

If you’re someone who is living with Dissociative Identity Disorder, you could help raise awareness by having a conversation with your friends and family about how it affects you in your daily life.

Additionally, you could reflect on what having and living with the disorder means to you. Your reflection could be private or you could creatively reflect in the form of posters or a social media post to spread positive awareness.  

If you are someone who knows little about this disorder you could read articles or medical websites which raise awareness towards the disorder.

What will I be doing for Dissociative Identity Disorder Awareness Day?

This year I will be doing some research on the disorder in order to expand my knowledge of the condition and how it affects individuals day to day lives.

As a counselling student, I am always interested in expanding my knowledge into the lives of others in order to gain insight into others’ experiences.

Also, I will be stopping by my local ‘Mind’ charity shop. Mind is a mental health charity where proceeds go towards a charity which provides advice, support, and empowerment to anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They also campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.