The 2014 Austin Dissociative Identity Disorder Statistics have mentioned that most cases of mental health illness appear in female patients than in male patients. It means that for every nine women diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID), there is one that is diagnosed in men. In view of this, the article will be talking about some facts, statistics, and common cases related to DID.

Source: flickr.com

Facts And Statistics

Dissociative identity disorder is a mental disorder that concerns with the presence of more than two personalities in a person. It is commonly caused by extreme emotional distress or trouble in maintaining a relationship. Usually, a patient diagnosed with DID has undergone a traumatic event in the past. With that being a factor, the mental illness occurs to be a coping mechanism for patients suffering the condition.

Mental health practitioners agree that about one to two percent of the general population is affected by such illness and most of the cases occur in the United States of America. Although the number of DID cases is less than the other mental health illness, it is still prevalent especially in most cities in the US.

Among the cities in the US, Austin in Texas has been in the top nine metros which have dissociative identity disorder resources. Numerous hospitals, facilities, and medical doctors are present in the area to address the psychiatric symptoms of DID. Even though there are no specific medications of healing the mental illness, the availability of therapists and hospital accommodation in the area helps patients cope in time.

Source: flickr.com

Common Cases

Cases of DID occur commonly in the US, 70% of which have tried to self-destruct or take their own life. One of the most common cases happened in 2014 wherein two Korean nationals, both male and female, have been diagnosed with mental illness.

The male patient, who is serving in the military, has been experiencing symptoms of forgetfulness and occasional speaking of the English language which is not his native language. Meanwhile, the female patient manifested childish behavior and violent actions.

Although the medication is very crucial, undergoing DID treatments still can enhance the quality of life of the patient.

We all had a moment when we had to make a choice, but most of the time, we already know what we want. However, which one is worse? Is it when we need to discern or is it when we have to deal with the extremes? Dealing with the extreme could be the most challenging thing. It is like being trapped in too much love and hate, grand dreams and huge fears, and they’re all happening in your head all at the same time.

 

It is like in a relationship, for instance, marriage. You love that person so much, but then, you have also learned to hate him throughout the time you were together. It’s like living with the person you love and hate the most, and your thoughts are bouncing back and forth on whether you are sticking with the positive or negative emotions you are feeling.

 

Sadly, you can lose yourself along the way, and one of the most unfortunate things that could happen to a person is to grieve for oneself because it is also like giving up and allowing yourself to die in a situation.

3 Ways You Can Lose Yourself In A Relationship:

• Sometimes, fear swallows us whole. We fail to recognize that we only have one life and that holding on to something that poisons our existence is a waste of time. For instance, why do you stay in a toxic relationship? Is it because of the time and emotion you have invested, or is it because you are afraid to hurt the other person that you are willing to sacrifice the risk of losing yourself?

 

• When you are in an uncertain position, you tend to hope for the best, that things will get better. Sure, it will, but the question is when. You get stuck in uncertainty, and you die inside while waiting. When you are in a bad situation, you owe it to yourself to make it better instead of waiting. You are wasting your time. It’s like choosing between happiness and misery. You know which one to pick, all you need to do is have the courage to decide what you think is best for you.

 

• When you think and hope that the other person loves you, your desire to be with him blinds you that you don’t mind if he sincerely loves you. It is not enough that someone agrees to be with you. He should be committed, and he should know that there are responsibilities that come with being in a relationship, and a few of those is not to letyou get hurt and to help you grow.

 

It is a tragic thing to let yourself die emotionally and silently grieve while hoping that one day you will be resurrected. Time is something we cannot take back once lost, so dying while in a relationship is something you do to yourself. Instead of living in misery and blaming your partner for it, get out of the relationship and spare yourself of grieving alive.

 

 

 

Dissociation Defined

To dissociate is to separate – that is what it means according to the dictionary. That is, dissociating is disconnecting from something or someone. In individuals with dissociative disorders, this is their forte. Because they are too hurt to recall the trauma that they have experienced, they separate themselves from the reality and from their own identity. This is a coping mechanism that will later lead to a distorted sense of identity and the feeling of not knowing oneself, or having different selves for that matter.

Continue reading “The Impact of Depression on Dissociation” »

 

Yes, dissociative identity disorder can be cured, but it’s tough. Dissociative identity disorder (DID), previously known as multiple personality disorder (MPD), is a condition involving an individual having two or more distinct personalities, which may alter at an unknown time. The two or more different characters have their separate names, preferences, and temperament. Dissociative identity disorder is believed to be caused by severe and continued childhood trauma such as physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

Continue reading “Can Dissociative Identity Disorder Be Cured?” »

Reports of mass shootings are becoming much common these pasts few years. No matter how gruesome and heartbreaking these shootings are, no definite measures are in place to prevent such occurrence from repeating itself. Extreme pressure on gun control legislation and the call for mental health awareness and on the accessibility of treatments are seen by the general public as a solution to these heinous and senseless crimes.  However, experts believe that these tragedies are influenced by complex factors; many of these are still poorly understood. It is considered a myth that mental illness such schizophrenia will lead to mass shootings.

Continue reading “Criminal Minds: Mass Murderers and Mental Health” »

                                               

It’s disturbing to know how people label people with suicidal thoughts. People who get suicidal thoughts or feelings are not cowards. They are currently experiencing a bad patch in their life and they don’t know how to work through it or how to escape it. Family members of such individuals and everyone else need to be supportive of the one who’s suffering. For those who feel suicidal, it’s usually because they see it as their only option or way out. However, they need help and plenty of support. More importantly, they need to be told and shown that there is a way to deal with their issues and there’s always a way out.

People who feel suicidal are usually experiencing depression. They also feel helpless and hopeless. The fact is depression can be treated and suicidal feelings can also be dealt with and one can overcome it. If you have been feeling suicidal, you need to realize that there are people who love and care about you. No matter how much pain you’re going through, there’s a solution for every problem. You can make a difference in your life. You can also start building one and enjoy it to the fullest!

 

Why Suicide Isn’t an Option:                                                      

Emotions are constantly changing. Whatever you’re feeling now won’t last forever. You just need some help with coping with your situation and also overcoming depression. Think about all the things in life that you love. After committing suicide, you will miss out on all these pleasures in life. Would you really want your loved ones to experience the pain and grief of losing you? Take all these factors into consideration whenever you are feeling suicidal. Here are some tips that can help you with putting an end to suicidal thoughts:

 

Seek the Help of a Counselor or Mental Health Professional

Licensed counselors and therapists can help with treating you. They can also help you with coping with any problems that you’re facing. A psychiatrist can assess you and diagnose you if you are suffering from any mental health conditions.

 

Start Journaling

Keep a journal and write about your feelings or whenever you’re feeling down. Journaling is therapeutic and it’s easier to express your feelings in a journal than to another person. Sit everyday with your journal and write away!

 

Avoid Drugs and Alcohol

These harmful substances will only aggravate suicidal feelings, stress, and depression. Some people find it to be an escape for all their problems, but in reality, this only makes matters worse. There’s a healthy way to resolve all your issues.

 

Go Online, Join Support Groups or Start Your Own

Connecting with people in this day and time is so easy, so make the most of it. You can either start your cause locally or join an online support group. You can meet people who are faced with similar issues as you and you can help each other.

 

Plan Your Life

Start planning your life ahead. Find a job or study. You can even do this online. Save up money for something big. It can be anything – a car or an overseas trip – whatever makes you happy.

 

Spend Time with Your Loved Ones and Do Things That You Enjoy

Spend as much time as you can with your closest friends and family members. Find a hobby, enjoy nature and even try new things. Do anything that makes you happy, if it’s in a positive manner.

 

Live a Healthy and Well-Balanced Lifestyle

Eat healthy food. Ensure that you include fruits and vegetables in your diet. Try and fit exercise into your daily routine and also get plenty of sleep. Do breathing exercises whenever you’re feeling anxious and take some time off during the day to relax and de-stress.

 

Dissociative amnesia is a disorder which is part of the dissociative disorder group. Dissociative disorders are mental illnesses that involve loss of memory and disruptions of one’s identity, perception, consciousness, and awareness. The symptoms of dissociative disorders can have a negative impact on the person affected. It tampers with not only their general well-being but also their social lives, relationships, careers and even the way they function.

Continue reading “What is Dissociative Amnesia and How to Handle it” »

Dissociative disorders are mental health conditions that involve issues with emotions, identity, memory, perception, sense of self and behavior. Dissociative disorders can interfere with an individual’s mental functioning. People who are suffering from dissociative disorders usually feel as though they are outside of their own body as they feel detached. Dissociative disorders are also associated with trauma.

 

Continue reading “What is a Dissociative Disorder and How to Handle it” »

 

Trauma is what some professionals define as “a deeply disturbing and distressing experience that one has endured”. Various situations and experiences can lead to an individual feeling traumatized. A few traumatic experiences can be physical abuse, sexual abuse, a car accident, war, grief, natural disasters, divorce, both mental and physical illnesses.

Trauma in children can have long lasting effects. If not treated immediately, it could lead to major mental health issues when they become an adult.

 

Continue reading “How To Put An End To Trauma” »