I was approached last year, during a hectic time for me, by a producer that wanted to look at following me around in a little bit of a ‘reality tv’ type of show. At the time it was flattering to know that he’d want to show my successes with MPD and becoming more balanced, to the world.
I am no stranger to TV, as you know if you’ve read this blog long, I was on TV a few years ago on the Mike & Juliet Morning Show. I had it linked but they no longer have the archive set up. Incidentally, my brother has a copy and I plan to link it directly on my site soon.
I got in touch with the producer and told him that I didn’t want that type of exposure, right then, due to my children’s ages and the public eye that some reality shows brings upon us. I spoke to my boss, then, also, and asked him what he thought (since I had previously told several co-workers of my diagnosis). He asked me a good question, that to this day I feel helped aid me in making a good decision, “how would you benefit from this show being put on the air?” and then he said, “how would the producer and others benefit, from the same?” basically.
I decided that I wouldn’t truly benefit, and as selfish as it sounds, I have to keep that in mind when making a decision that big. My children are a big part of me (outside children, not inside) and my life, and I didn’t want the intrusion. Also, the fact that many are helped by my blog is incredible to me and I don’t want to lose control of that part of my life. A show like that would be so exposing, I think, that it could trigger an imbalance and why would I set myself up for that when I’ve worked so hard to find balance?
Again, it was flattering, but I didn’t feel that others would benefit in the same way that they do by reading my blog, so I turned it down for now.
Would you have jumped on this opportunity or do you feel it would be another way for television to ‘fantasize’ the truth about MPD?
Hey girl — it’s been so long — thought I’d stop by and say HI!!!!!
Drop me an email sometime!
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I think you made a good choice. If it’s MEANT TO BE another opportunity will come along.
I’m not diagnosed with DID / MPD but deal with a very fragmented self. Much of the treatment for DID/MPD is used in my treatment. I have ‘parts’ that have thier own lives and opinions and such. I’m just learning what to make of all this.
I can’t imagine having all this spread over TV. I won’t even give my real name. I’ve started an anonymous blog because all my parts have started fighting to be ‘out’ and I don’t know what to do. I can’t burden friends and family with all of this.
If you would like to read it and give some insite I would appreciate it http://peoplepersonalitiesparts.blogspot.com/
I think you made a good,solid choice, especially since you have children. That shows a lot of integrity. A lot of people these days wouldn’t take that into consideration– what exposure on TV would do to their children. I admire you for that. I don’t have outside kids, but I don’t know if I would want the exposure either. Only if ALL my family were gone, I suppose– they don’t know about my diagnosis. I have to keep everything a secret from them. I wouldn’t be on TV, but I wouldn’t mind being interviewed or doing a book or an article. I’ve been the subject of a few research projects though, but give people only my pseudonym. I don’t think you’re being selfish at all– I think that you are keeping good boundaries, and keeping your family’s best interest in mind.