Today’s fast-paced and high-pressure world is believed to be one of the major factors responsible for the increasing cases of mental health issues. Despite continuous advancements in medicine and the prevalent ‘woke’ culture, there is a stigma associated with psychological disorders. Where physical ailments are usually diagnosed and treated promptly, psychological disorders often go unnoticed because of the said stigma and lack of awareness. According to the WHO, one in every eight people worldwide struggles with some form of mental disorder.
Among these conditions, one of the most complex and misunderstood disorders is Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). To spread awareness about this condition, March 5th is observed annually as Multiple Personality Day.
Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder
Formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, DID is characterised by the the presence of two or more distinct ‘identities’ or ‘personalities’ within the same person. Each of those identities may have its own name, age, voice and behavioral characteristics. As per Dr Krithishree Somanna, Consultant Psychiatry, KMC Hospital, Mangalore, this dissociation develops as a response to severe trauma, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
Children who go through extreme distress due to any kind of trauma and lack the required support system may dissociate to protect themselves from the pain. Over time, whenever the person finds themselves in a negative situation, they use dissociation as a coping mechanism and completely disconnect from the surroundings, which stops the traumatic memories from reemerging. It is noteworthy that these switches are involuntary, which means that the person is unaware of them and has no control over the process.
Popular Movies and TV Shows Depicting DID
This particular disorder has never failed to astonish anyone who comes across it. Hence, over the years, several movies and TV shows have tried to explore this disorder through characters, offering the audience a glimpse of the complexities of this disorder. Here are some of the most notable portrayals:
Also Read: 10 Movie And TV Characters That Accurately Portray Mental Illnesses
Voices Within: The Lives of Truddi Chase (1990)
This movie tells the true story of Truddi Chase, a woman suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder caused by severe childhood abuse. The severity of her trauma led to her dissociating into 22 distinct personalities, which was uncovered through therapy. By the end of her journey, it was established that over 70 personalities existed within her mind, each representing different aspects of her trauma.
Identity (2003)
The story was loosely inspired by Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. It followed ten strangers trapped in a remote motel who are mysteriously killed one by one. Meanwhile, a convicted murderer awaits trial somewhere else, where his legal team discovers that he suffers from DID, which led to him dissociating into 11 different personalities. As the story progresses, the audience finds out that the events at the aforementioned motel were happening inside the convict’s head.
Also Read: 10 Disney Characters You Never Realised Suffered From Mental Disorders
Sybil (1976)
Based on a true story, the film follows Sybil, who experiences nightmares and memory gaps, prompting her to see a psychiatrist. During therapy, it was uncovered that she dissociated and developed 16 distinct personalities as a result of severe childhood trauma. The film sheds light on the long-lasting impact of abuse and the power of therapy in healing trauma-related disorders.
The Three Faces of Eve (1957)
The Three Faces of Eve is one of the earliest cinematic explorations of DID. The story follows Eve White, a timid woman suffering from personality shifts and blackouts. Through therapy, it was discovered that she had two alternate identities, namely, Eve Black and Jane. Over time, childhood trauma was revealed to be the root cause of her dissociation.
A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
A Tale of Two Sisters is a South Korean psychological horror film that follows a teenage girl, Su-mi, who returns home after receiving treatment for psychosis. As she struggles with eerie occurrences and tension with her stepmother, it is revealed that Su-mi has DID. Her stepmother is, in fact, an alternate personality created to deal with her past trauma.
Bottomline
Movies and TV shows have always played a pivotal role in shaping public perception. Be it socio-political issues or mental health, cinematic portrayal helps spark a conversation around the topic. And given the current mental health crisis in the world, it is important to have such conversations.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of DID, seeking professional help from a mental health expert is crucial. Awareness, understanding, and proper treatment can empower individuals with DID to lead fulfilling lives.