5 Terms to Know About Dissociative Identity

By Annie DeRuyte

Every experience of dissociative identity and plurality is unique and valuable. You may have heard different definitions or labels used to describe different experiences and that is okay! The community is vibrant and fluid by nature, and we welcome different expressions or words used to describe the plural experience.

1. Multiplicity/Plurality/Dissociative Identity etc. 

People who experience plurality can use a wide variety of terms to describe their experiences. Many people use these labels because it feels more affirming of their experiences of multiple personhood without involving psychiatric terms or stigma. For some, it feels important to remove language that places plurality as a disorder. Every System and their label is valid. 

2. People/Alters/Parts/Headmates/System members, etc. 

These are a few terms used by community members to describe their experiences of multiplicity. Plurality can be expressed in a bunch of different ways, and the terms that a System uses varies System by System, and even member by member. Language that affirms personhood or a sense of belonging is common.

3. System/Group/Collective/Troop, etc.

These can be used to describe a group of people living in the same mind, body (or spirit)! Like the other terms they are non-exclusive. For example, some Systems prefer to use one name (typically an alter’s name) to represent the whole system. Others will put descriptive words in front of one of these terms to describe their System in a unique way (such as The _____ System). 

4. Singlets/Singles/Non-Plurals, etc.

This is a term used to describe the experience of not being plural. Some Systems may use this language to describe a time in their past when they were not conscious or aware of their System. This term is also used to describe people who are not in the plural community. 

5. Headspace/Innerworld, etc.

These are phrases used to describe an internal experience that someone with plurality can have. This can look like any number of places, can include the experience of outward experiences (such as eating/drinking), and can be used as a way to house, protect, or explore one’s System. The capacity and capabilities of the inner world vary between Systems. 

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Looking for where to start to support yourselves or a loved one with dissociative identity? Reach out for a consultation with Annie: annie@ourlandingplace.com