How many times do I write out how valuable a support system is for someone with MPD…
It really can make a difference in your life if you find people that you can trust with your systems make-up. This doesn’t mean exposing every intimate detail of how things work (after all, most of us, if not all, don’t know this ourselves) deep in your mind but it’s nice to have people close to you that can “clue in” when you’re feeling a few of your personalities out, and don’t really care to advertise this to strangers.
This has been my biggest issue in finding work outside the home. The whole “what if they find out” is still a fear of mine. Yes, I tell people fairly shamelessly that I have MPD and I’ve talked publicly about my diagnosis in the past, but being in a job situation is much different.
When faced with the idea of having to expose yourself to people that are in the workforce I tend to think it’s best not to be as forthright as you would in other situations. I’m not saying that you need to wear the mask, I am saying the whole company doesn’t need to know. Find out more about those you work with before letting them know your whole story, or some of it.
If you have a few close co-workers that know you sometimes have a hard time with specific things, or know what triggers you, or a boss that can tolerate having a bit of compassion, you are good to go. This is hard to find but I found a video recently that was done by HBO about a police officer that had “outed” himself to his co-workers and carried his career very well, gaining many awards for his service and maintaining his life without integration.
I’m doing research myself because I might be faced with this very thing. I’ve been working from home for so long and it’s felt so safe to do so, but sometimes life throws you curves that you don’t see coming, and you have to make changes. I’ve grown my business very well and if it continues I won’t have to worry about this, but it’s always an option that I could be faced with…and I want to be ready.
Sorry, this isn’t really about this post–although it’s a good one. I’m kinda re-discovering your blog after seeing a link on Beauty’s blog (Beautiful Dreamer) to your television interview. You were awesome!
Thanks for the advocacy work you do…and for the comment you left on my blog today.
Hey, I think you have some posts that would be great for THE BLOG CARNIVAL AGAINST CHILD ABUSE. Would you be willing to participate? Details are at my blog. Thanks for considering!
I always find it rather funny when someone “discovers” I am borderline as it always looks like their brain is unable to comprehend the knowledge by the confused look on their face. Wonderful site by the way.
hi cat! its been a long time since i came by here. too long!
this is a good point. i dont have DID but i am dyslexic and have other issues as well. i have shared some with the two women i share the front office with, and it has been a ggod thing. they give me a hand sometimes with things. but i think proving myself first as a competent worker was important. i have a very good job at a clinic, with the best bosses and office manager. i think now i could say something, but at this point dont need to. my two coworkers are my support system, and i have the confidence of my team and management, so i have found balance. just what you were talking about.
its good to be back here again
kïrstin?
Thanks for the invite, marj, I’ll take a look! Glad you rediscovered me. I do the same with other blogs as I browse around.
untreatable, yes, sometimes we get the “strange looks” but overall I have so many around me that understand me. I think, because, I chose to surround myself with people that care about me instead of those that don’t. Do you think everyone has this choice or was I just lucky?
Doesn’t always work out all the time, but overall I’m very very blessed!
kïrstin it’s great that you have a situation like that. Good to know that there’s hope. Thanks for sharing that co-workers support you. Sometimes that’s the best option.