What Media Gets Wrong About Dissociation and DID

Dissociation and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) are often misunderstood and misrepresented in the media, leading to confusion and stigma for those who live with these conditions. Hollywood, TV shows, and even some news outlets have sensationalized dissociation and DID, creating a narrative that doesn’t always align with the lived experience of people navigating trauma and dissociation. Let’s take a look at some of the most common misconceptions and how they contrast with the reality of these experiences.

1. The "Multiple Personalities" Myth

One of the most pervasive myths about DID is that it involves multiple personalities who are radically different from each other, often portrayed as violent or out of control. While it is true that people with DID experience different identities or "parts," these identities are not typically extreme or inherently dangerous. They are often shaped by trauma and serve as coping mechanisms that help individuals manage overwhelming experiences.

In reality, the identities are more like distinct parts of a person’s psyche that may have different memories, skills, or perspectives. These parts usually work in some kind of internal system and don’t operate as completely separate people, as commonly shown in movies. Many people with DID experience periods of amnesia or time loss, but they are not “other people”—they are parts of one whole individual working to protect them from trauma.

2. Dissociation as a "Jekyll and Hyde" Transformation

Another common misconception is the portrayal of dissociation as an immediate, dramatic shift between personalities, often depicted as someone suddenly switching into an entirely different person, with an entirely different look and behavior. This kind of dramatic transformation can be alarming to viewers but rarely reflects the lived reality of dissociation.

In truth, dissociation is a subtle experience that often feels like stepping outside of one’s body or consciousness, not a complete change into a different person. Individuals may feel disconnected from their emotions or surroundings, and might lose time, but they are still themselves—they’re just unable to connect with what’s happening in the present moment. It’s not about switching between personalities on a whim.

3. The "Violent Outbursts" Stereotype

Movies and TV shows often associate DID with violence or outbursts, where one identity might emerge as violent, abusive, or criminal. These portrayals reinforce a stereotype that those with DID are dangerous or unstable. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The vast majority of people with DID are not violent or dangerous.

In fact, people with DID often face the risk of being re-traumatized by external violence, making the portrayal of DID as inherently violent extremely harmful. Most individuals with DID are deeply compassionate, empathetic people, and their parts serve protective and defensive roles rather than aggressive ones. These parts work to shield the person from emotional or physical harm caused by traumatic events, rather than acting out in violent ways.

4. The "DID as a Rare Phenomenon" Belief

The media often suggests that DID is a rare and unusual disorder, implying that it’s something that happens only in extreme or sensational situations. This myth contributes to the stigma surrounding DID and prevents many people from seeking help or acknowledging their experiences.

In reality, DID is more common than many people realize, especially in individuals who have experienced severe and repeated trauma, such as childhood abuse. DID is a complex trauma response, and while it may not be as widely recognized or understood as other disorders, it is a valid and significant condition that can be treated and managed.

5. The "Quick Fix" in Therapy

Movies and TV often show quick, dramatic cures for DID, where a therapist immediately "fixes" the condition by integrating the different parts of a person’s identity in a matter of sessions. This oversimplified view of therapy can create unrealistic expectations for both the person with DID and the public.

In reality, healing from DID is a long-term process. It involves building trust with a therapist, understanding the trauma that led to dissociation, and developing strategies to stay grounded in the present. It can take years to fully integrate parts or to achieve stability, and the process can be gradual, with setbacks along the way.

The Real Story: Living with DID

While the media’s portrayal of DID and dissociation can be sensational and misleading, it’s important to acknowledge the real and often complex experiences of those living with dissociation and DID. Many individuals with DID are working tirelessly to rebuild their sense of self, find safety in relationships, and process deep wounds from past trauma.

Dissociation and DID are survival mechanisms that helped individuals cope with the unmanageable. And while media depictions focus on extremes, those living with dissociation are simply navigating a deeply challenging and often misunderstood response to trauma. It’s time we shift the narrative and begin to understand dissociation not as something to fear, but as a natural, albeit difficult, response to life’s overwhelming experiences.

If you or someone you know is struggling with dissociation or DID, therapy—especially EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)—can be incredibly effective in helping manage dissociation, process trauma, and integrate different parts of the self. It’s important to find a therapist who is trauma-informed and who can help you heal at your own pace.