Comment by DK on 10 Apr 2009 at 1:29 am

It’s interesting that there is an attune-ness as a common experience for multiples. I’ve found I can just “pick up” when someone is in medical distress and needs to see a doctor, I’ve been able to predict miscarriages with considerable accuracy and have been able to predict if people I have contact with – even casual acquaintances – are going to die.

Lately I’ve been seeing a pattern that seems really crazy but whenever my system becomes distressed or panicked or unsettled the electronics in my car act up. Trouble lights go on when there’s nothing wrong, power windows stop working – but work for my husband and daughter – when I’m not in the car etc. It’s may be just a coincidence but my 19 year old is convinced it fits with when I’m more unsettled. She also thinks I blow light bulbs although they don’t blow while I’m in the room but there does seem to be a pattern of blown light bulbs when my system is wound up.

Have you or others noticed similar “electrical” disruptions associated with disruptions in the system of parts?

At this stage in my treatment, it is not uncommon to disrupt my system of parts and find switching between parts becomes frantic. My husband and daughter can see these times now that they have learned to be attuned to me more. I recognize their concern with my function when they keep asking what happened in my day – trying to see what’s unbalanced my usually more together appearance. When I look at myself in the mirror it seems like looking at someone else – the hair seems the wrong color, the color of the skin looks awful, the eyes – they look glassy and bloodshot. I then begin to do what’s necessary to figure out what’s upset the various parts and work to calm things down.

Do you recognize any of this? I haven’t found much in the literature that suggests DID could cause these experiences. The psychologist hasn’t said much either way but we address the systems chaos in order to reduce the experiences – with notable success.

I know it sounds crazy but I’d be interested to know if others also found/find similar experiences.

One more question. I refer to myself as a multiple or as having DID because my parts have only just begun to recognize each other and only a few have blended together. Do you still consider yourself multiple now that you’ve become one?

Again, thanks for your measured and clearly well informed responses.

DK

Dear DK,

I agree, mutliples have a heightened sense of empathy, and it’s uncanny. I believe the reason we are so attuned is because it aided our own protection. As a multiple, one must be attuned to not only her surroundings, but to each and every person that crosses our path. It’s a coping mechanism to survive.

Like you, I can also sense more than I wish to and with considerable accuracy. Actually, most of my distress these days comes from these types of thoughts and feelings. Sadly, when my intuitions come true, I become depressed.  I can’t explain the reason for being so highly attuned, however, it doesn’t help when I sense something unfortunate ahead of time and wish to avoid it, but can’t.

It seems I have issues with electricity, too.  I cause many distruptions that have been unexplainable. I’ve always thought I was just cursed with being a clutz with gadgets, but it goes beyond that.  My family and I always make jokes about my abilty to blow fuses, break bulbs, and cause the television and computer to crash when someone angers me.  I do best when I’m calm.

Before I integrated, I removed all mirrors from my home, except for the bathrooms. I had no choice, for the same reason as you. I would walk by a mirror and be startled when I didn’t recognize myself, and saw an alter staring back at me. Multiplicity continues to be a mystery. You and I share many similar experiences. I appreciate your sharing.

I wish you well as you continue your journey to wholeness.

Karen