Information / FAQ

What is DID?

DID (dissociative identity disorder) is a disorder most notable for presenting more than one sense of self. It was previously known as multiple personality disorder, but this is considered very outdated.

DID is not a personality disorder! It's a dissociative disorder, intertwined with complex PTSD and early childhood trauma.

If you're interested in learning more about DID and other dissociative disorders, please consider visiting this or this site!

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What are alters?

Alters (or alternate selves, system members, headmates, alter egos, alternate personalities, "other me's"; depending on who you ask) are those of us who share a body! We are all parts of one whole, but each part is also whole on its own. Every alter is a unique person, just like you! :)

What is a system?

A system (multiple system) is any group of alters!

For many folks, "system" is an easy, short term that can be used to refer to yourself and all of your alters, or sets of specific alters. It is also a quick and discreet way to say "I'm more than one person", rather than divulge a mental health diagnosis.

It is worth noting that DID is definitely not the only dissociative disorder to cause multiples senses of self, but it's very difficult to obtain diagnosis for any of these disorders. Simply identifying as "a system" is a great way to avoid self diagnoses, for those who might not want to claim/speak for a disorder without confirmation. Personally, I think it's totally okay for people to simply explain any of these experiences as DID when listeners have no idea what a system is.

What is a host?

A host is the alter with the most time spent controlling of the body or the most decision making power in the system.

For some, the host is also the identity other alters may disguise themselves as to mask their presence.

Hosts can change over time, and the host does not have to be the "original" identity in the body. There can be more than one host at a time, or a hierarchy of multiple co-hosts.

What is fronting?

"Fronting" is a term that essentially means taking control of the body. To be "at the front" is like being center stage, if that makes sense!

Alters can hang around in the mind without taking control of the body! They might be "near" the front but not completely there, or they're only observing and don't have any control.

Multiple alters can front at the same time - be it a power struggle between them, or cooperative ("cofronting"). Some alters might prefer to come to the front together, or with certain alters alongside them.

Other kinds of alters?

Besides being the host, there are many other kinds of roles, jobs, or titles that alters take on in the system!

Some examples are:

Caregivers - Alters who tend to others, especially those who may be more vulnerable or in need of support (children, animals, etc)

Internal Managers - Alters who help keep the mind organized or help alters communicate with each other

Protectors - Alters who serve to protect the system or the body, and may take control in emergencies or other dangerous situations

What are kins?

"Kins" is a short hand term meaning types of otherkin/fictionkin! Otherkin are people who identify as or with objects, animals, mythical creatures, and more! Fictionkin are those who identify with fictional characters or creatures.

In the realm of DID, kins are a very helpful way to communicate identity, something that can be abstract or vague. It's easy to say "I relate to this!" or, "I'm a lot like that character!"

It can also be very comforting for those with dissociative disorders, a way to soothe feelings of confusion or lack of identity. It can be a way to cope with trauma, fears, or insecurities.

Some folks find their otherkin identity is related to a spiritual belief or religion, and some believe neurodivergence or psychology play a role as well.

Personally, I would agree that being autistic has added a need for tools to communicate the way I feel and the way I see myself! My kins are also often attached to a special interest or fixation!

It is worth noting that kins are not the same as alters who are nonhuman or fictives!

Nonhuman or fictive alters are not simply identifying with something, rather they are wholly those things, in all ways except the physical body which of course cannot actually change form. Their appearance may otherwise completely take the form of an animal, a demon, a program, a fictional or mythological character, or something else!

They may not feel at home in a human body and may experience dysmorphia. They may not be able to communicate with human language or perform certain tasks. They may have memories of life in a fictional world or believe they have/had powers.

This is all totally dependent on the individual alter!

Why ~approximate ages? Or no age listed?

Sometimes it's hard to tell how old an alter is, even for them!

Consider that you might not feel very different when you turn another year older, at least not in the moment.

Most alters more or less hold onto memories from a particular era of our life, and may represent multiple years of experiences.

Some alters age slide, basically meaning their appearance is on a spectrum of certain ages.

Some alters simply identify with the body's age, some have a set age they always appear as, and some completely don't resonate with human aging at all - especially nonhuman alters

What is Haibane?

Haibane, or the Haibane System, is just the little nickname we chose for our system! Many people like to have a name for their system as a whole.

For me, this is really just for fun! The name comes from the anime "Haibane Renmei", because it reminded us of our life together. It features angels who can be "born" at any age, and receive their name from a dream. It felt reminiscent of being "born" as an alter already a teen or fully grown adult, and having to think of names for each other over time. We also have a lot of alters who identify with angels in some way!