Information / FAQ

Here is some info to help you better understand this site!

What is Dissociative Identity Disorder?

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a mental health disorder, most known for causing someone to present with more than one identity.

You may recognize DID by it's previous (outdated) name, multiple personality disorder. But DID is not a personality disorder! It's a dissociative disorder, intertwined with complex PTSD and early childhood trauma.

DID is a coping mechanism that the brain developes to combat repeated trauma, creating walls of amnesia to protect the inner self. It is a surival method that allows victims of chronic trauma and abuse to continue living life as safely and normally as possible. The mind splits up the emotional burdens of trauma into smaller pieces, each given to different parts of the self. These emotional parts are essentially brought forth and put away whenever it is needed to cope and survive.

Every person with DID is different, and the definitions I've explained here are just my own experience, research, and opinions!

If you're interested in learning more about DID and other dissociative disorders,
I encourage you to check out [TraumaDissociation] or [DID-Research]!

Shortcuts!

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What are alters?

Alters are those of us who share a body! They may also be known as alternate selves, system members, headmates, alter egos, alternate personalities, "other me's"; depending on who you ask. 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.

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!

Alters can also 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").

What is a host?

A host is the alter with the most time spent controlling 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. (Also known as a "shell")

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.

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

Alters have roles and jobs in a system to maintain a healthy and cooperative life.

What are kins?

"Kins" is a short hand term refering to Otherkin -- people who identify as or with objects, animals, mythical creatures, and more! Fictionkin are those who identify with fictional characters or creatures.

On this site, "kins" pages are a list of those characters, animals, and other things that may represent us as individuals, in some way. It's easy way to say "I relate to these things!" or, "I'm a lot like that character!" or, "This story means a lot to me!"

In the realm of DID, otherkin can be a helpful way to communicate identity, something that is otherwise often abstract or vague. It can be 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.

I would like to add that in my experiences, 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 otherkin 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.

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.

Alters may hold onto memories from a particular era of our life, and may represent multiple years of experiences.

Some alters age slide, 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