What is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?

DID involves multiple distinct identities or personality states.

How does trauma contribute to Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?

Traumatic experiences in childhood can lead to the development of DID.

Encina communicates with her alters through a diary.

Encina's supportive relationship has helped improve her DID symptoms.

Encina aims to destigmatize DID through education and sharing her experiences.

Traumatic childhood experiences, particularly childhood sexual abuse, can lead to the development of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), with Encina's case highlighting the impact of such events on mental health.
Encina's effort to destigmatize DID through education and sharing her experiences underscores the importance of understanding and acceptance for individuals with DID, emphasizing the need for support and empathy in addressing the challenges associated with the disorder.

What is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?
DID involves multiple distinct identities or personality states.
How does trauma contribute to Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?
Traumatic experiences in childhood can lead to the development of DID.
How does Encina communicate with her alters?
Encina communicates with her alters through a diary.
How does Encina's supportive relationship impact her DID symptoms?
Encina's supportive relationship has helped improve her DID symptoms.
How does Encina aim to destigmatize Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)?
Encina aims to destigmatize DID through education and sharing her experiences.

00:00

Estimated 150 million people experience dissociative disorders.
Encina, diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder 8 years ago, has 11 personalities.
Minnie, a 3-year-old girl, is one of Encina's alters.
Encina was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder at 22 or 23 due to amnesia feelings.
Encina has 5 primary alters that she switches into regularly.
Traumatic childhood experiences lead to the development of dissociative identity disorder.
Encina's childhood sexual abuse led to her developing DID.
Encina communicates with her alters through a diary and is co-conscious with 5 of them.
Minnie, Encina's alter, used to come out daily but now appears less frequently.
Encina's supportive relationship has helped improve her DID symptoms.

16:45

Encina has multiple alters, including a three-year-old, Devin, Evelyn, Laura, Quinn, Quinton, and a fairy alter.
Laura is a calm, rational alter who focuses on problem-solving and getting things done.
Laura is thousands of years old and believed to have originated from Encina's childhood belief in magic.
Encina does not intentionally create alters but acknowledges their existence and coexistence.
Encina faces stigma and skepticism regarding her DID, with misconceptions about the disorder prevalent.
DID affects 1-2% of the population, similar to bipolar disorder, with many undiagnosed cases.
Encina's alters have distinct characteristics and abilities, such as differing reactions to gluten consumption.
Encina selectively discloses her DID to close individuals, including her partner, who initially had doubts but grew to understand and accept her alters.
Encina's alters can take control without her awareness, leading to challenges in relationships and daily life.
Encina aims to destigmatize DID through education and sharing her experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding and acceptance.

33:03

The individual started making YouTube videos featuring their alters, asking them questions and allowing them to respond.
Friends helped film the videos, making the transition easier.
Alters can voluntarily come out, usually triggered by trauma or specific events.
The individual's relationships have not been negatively affected by their alters.
The worst experience of having DID involves days of amnesia and confusion.
An analogy is used to explain the experience of having an alter come out.
The individual is thankful for their alters as they provide support during challenging times.
They have not found a specialized doctor for DID treatment in their area.
Medication does not exist to stop switching or DID, only for other mental health conditions.
The individual feels uncomfortable bringing certain alters out on camera as it's their choice and some alters have emotional vulnerabilities.

50:11

The person was co-conscious the whole time, observing what was happening and letting another personality, Minnie, take control.
Minnie sees the person as her mother, which initially felt fine and helped them relate, leading to Minnie calling them "Mommy."
The person encourages people to keep an open mind about Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and be supportive of those who have it.
Minnie experiences excitement and anxiety, with the person feeling anxious about the situation.
Minnie enjoys playing and interacting with others, especially children who are more understanding of her behavior.
The person discusses the challenges of interacting with alters who have distinct personalities, emphasizing the need for understanding and support for individuals with DID.