Robert Oxnam's Experience with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Introduction

• Speaker: Robert Oxnam, discussing his autobiography "A Fractured Mind"
• Focus: Living with Multiple Personality Disorder (now known as Dissociative Identity Disorder - DID)

Understanding DID

• Definition: DID is the fracturing of one's identity due to severe abuse, typically in the first 3-4 years of life.
  • Abuse can be sexual, physical, and emotional.
  • Causes a split identity to cope with abuse and survive.
• Common Misconceptions: Many people doubt DID is a real disorder.
  • It's considered a “second abuse” for sufferers to constantly defend its legitimacy.

Impacts of Childhood Abuse

• Abuse can cause severe psychological and physical effects.
  • Increased likelihood of heart problems, diabetes, and struggles in adult life.
• Importance of recognizing and addressing abuse as a prevalent issue in society.

Mechanism of DID

• Fragmentation: The mind creates different identities to manage abuse and function in various life aspects (family, work, spiritual life).
• Survival Strategy: High IQ individuals often dissociate as a complex survival mechanism.
• Spectrum: DID is not outside human experience; it’s an extreme response to severe trauma.

Therapy and Integration

• Therapeutic Process: Necessary for integrating multiple identities.
  • Example: Working with Dr. Zukermann in Boise, specializing in dissociation therapy.
• Identity Merging: Therapy helps break down mental walls, leading to composite personalities and better external functioning.
• Duration: This process can take 15-20 years.

Insights on Identity

• Multiple Faces: Everyone has different 'faces' or identities in varying contexts (home, work, social life).
• Common Values and Soul: Shared values can help align multiple identities, providing a cohesive sense of self.

Creative Pursuits and DID

• Art and creative endeavors can be therapeutic and fulfilling for individuals with DID.
  • Example: Oxnam's discovery of sculpture post-therapy.
  • Creative work engages the whole self and can provide a sense of integration and purpose.

Advice for Sufferers and Allies

• Seeking Help: Reach out to therapists, welfare workers, clergy, or support groups like "Many Voices".
• Recognizing Signs: Pay attention to signs of severe abuse and dissociation; don't ignore potential indicators.
• Purpose of Therapy: Therapy aims to discover the unique strengths and specialness derived from one’s experiences.

Personal Anecdotes

• Robert's Experience Post-9/11: An inspiring interaction with a child interested in his book, showing a different perspective on DID.
• Artistic Expression: Post-therapy, Robert found immense satisfaction and a sense of wholeness in creating art, emphasizing the potential for unique strengths emerging through healing.

Conclusion

• Importance of recognizing DID and childhood abuse as serious issues.
• Encouragement for those suffering to seek therapy and find purpose and specialness in their journey.
• Art and other creative outlets can play a significant role in the healing process.