leafy notebook — about DID
simple facts, gentle but firm words, and clear boundaries.
Who I am (in short)
I was diagnosed with DID when I was 19. I am now 28. With therapy and a lot of self-work over the years, I’ve gained a better understanding of my system, and we are working together. This page shares some science-backed facts — not as proof for strangers to judge me — but to help anyone curious enough to read with care and respect.
What is DID?
DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) is a medical diagnosis. It means someone has 2 or more distinct personality states (often called “alters” or “parts”) that may act or remember differently — and those changes cause real difficulties in life. [source]
Why many professionals consider DID a real, serious condition
- DID appears in medical manuals and is diagnosable. Clinicians use standard criteria to diagnose DID. ({link1})
- Trauma history is strongly linked to DID. Many studies show that people diagnosed with DID experienced severe or repeated childhood trauma more often than people without DID. ({link2})
- Brain & body data can differ between alters. Some research finds that when different alters are “in charge,” there are measurable changes in brain activity or bodily stress responses — implying that the changes are real, not just role-playing. ({link3})
- DID is more common than many assume. Large-sample studies suggest ~1.1–1.5% lifetime prevalence in general populations. ({link4})
Conclusion: Overall, the scientific and clinical evidence — while imperfect like most of neuroscience and psychiatry — supports DID as a real, serious condition, especially when tied to trauma, dissociation, memory issues, and distress or impairment. ({link5})
About plurality, “systems,” and why many diagnosed DID folks are cautious about the Endogenic idea
Some people use the word “plural” or “system” to describe themselves when they feel like there are multiple identities in their mind. There’s a community term — Endogenic Plurality — to describe plural systems that claim their plurality did not come from trauma. Here’s why many clinically diagnosed DID systems treat that idea with caution:
What “Endogenic Plurality” means:
- Endogenic / non-traumagenic: “Endogenic” means the plurality is believed to have formed without major trauma or abuse — sometimes described as innate, spiritual, or simply natural. ({endoDef1})
- Not necessarily a disorder: Many who identify as endogenic say their plurality doesn’t cause distress, memory problems, or other symptoms — so they may not fit any diagnosis. ({endoDef2})
Why many DID systems and clinicians don’t accept that as “the same thing”:
- No strong scientific evidence for non-trauma-based plurality: Because research on plurality without trauma is minimal, there’s no reliable studies showing that endogenic plurality works the same as DID. medical and research literature focus on trauma-based dissociation. ({linkCrit1})
- Diagnosis of DID depends on trauma history + dissociation + distress: Clinical criteria expect significant distress, memory disruption or identity disruption, and a history of trauma often — which endogenic plurality usually does not claim. So mixing them can blur important boundaries. ({linkCrit2})
- Merging experiences risks undermining support & care for traumatized systems: Because DID is often tied to trauma and suffering, calling all plurality “normal” could make it harder for those who need therapy and medical support to get recognized and treated. ({linkCrit3})
In short: Endogenic plurality and trauma-based DID are not the same — they come from different ideas about why someone is plural, and they affect people in different ways. It’s okay for people to believe and identify as they wish. For me, as someone diagnosed when I was 19, my journey, therapy, and science-based care helped me. I want to hold space for that reality, and also honor that not everyone’s experience is the same.
Please respect our boundaries
We ask visitors to be kind and thoughtful. If you meet us in real life or talk about us online, please:
- Don’t argue about our diagnosis or say we are “faking.”
- Don’t press for personal or private details. If you ask something, wait for a yes — and respect a “no.”
- Don’t post photos or messages about us without permission.
- If you’re curious about what being part of a system means — ask gently: “May I ask about DID or your system?” then accept whatever answer is given without judgment or pressure.
If you are worried someone’s safety is at risk, reach out to a trusted helper or local emergency services. But please do not treat our identity as a hobby or entertainment.