Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly known as multiple personality disorder) is one of the most misunderstood and stigmatised mental health conditions. Whether we are represented as serial killers or as super hero's in media, we are always sensationalised and judged based on our mental health condition rather than our humanity. We are the survivors of traumatic childhoods, we are people with families, friends and we are deserving of the same quality of life as everyone else in society.
So in this years broadcast we return to our conversations on dissociative disorders and complex trauma with a focus on navigating medical systems. Where is the professional understanding of trauma and dissociation at in 'Australia?' How are those of us living with dissociation and complex trauma being treated in medical systems? Are we feeling understood and supported or are we being misunderstood and stigmatised?
CONTENT WARNING: Please be aware that this broadcast featured conversations that touches triggering topics. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find useful websites and numbers for support.
In the original broadcast, which aired at 2pm the 5th of March, we heard four interviews discussing navigating medical systems with complex trauma and dissociation. The first is with Cathy Kezelman from the Blueknot Foundation. Following that interview we hear excerpts from interviews with Jack, Kaye and Jocasta on their experiences of medical systems. Catch the full interviews below!
Jack’s Journey and the Intersections of DID and Autism
LISTEN HERE
In this conversation Jack and Amy chat about the intersections of DID and Autism; what helpful therapy looks like; stresses of NDIS and Centrelink and more.
Kaye’s Journey and Finding Community
LISTEN HERE
In this conversation Kaye shares their journey within a variety of different circumstances; homelessness; gender identity with DID; finding community and more.
Jocasta’s Journey and Frustrating Systems
LISTEN HERE
In the final conversation Jocasta (with poetic elegance) and Amy discuss the broader traumatising societal issues making it difficult to get support.
Music in the show is a cover of Elliot Smith’s 'Between the Bars' by the Vitamin String Quartet.
General Lines:
★ Lifeline: 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au
★ Blue Knot Foundation: 1300 657 380 | blueknot.org.au
Trauma Specialist Counselling
First Peoples support:
★ 13YARN: 13 92 76 | 13yarn.org.au
★ Yarning Safe'n'Strong: 1800 959 563
VIC Counselling (Social/Emotional, Financial, Drug/Alcohol, & Medical/COVID related)
Mental Health:
★ Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au
★ SuicideLine Victoria: 1300 651 251 | suicideline.org.au
(VIC) Crisis Support
★ Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 | beyondblue.org.au
★ MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 | mensline.org.au
★ Headspace | headspace.org.au
Youth National Mental Health Support - NOT a Crisis Service
Sexual Assault/Violence:
★ 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au
(Domestic, family, or sexual violence) support
★ Safe Steps 1800 015 188 | safesteps.org.au
(VIC) Family Violence Crisis Support
★ FullStop Australia: 1800 385 578 | fullstop.org.au
Alcohol & other Drugs:
★ DirectLine:1800 888 236 | directline.org.au
(VIC) Drug & Alcohol Counselling
★ Turning Point: 1800 250 015 | turningpoint.org.au
Queer:
★ QLife: 1800 184 527 | qlife.org.au
3PM-midnight, 7 days (issues affecting LGBTIQ+ people & loved ones)
★ Rainbow Door: 1800 729 367 (SMS 0480 017 246) | switchboard.org.au
(VIC) 10AM-5PM, 7 days
★ Queerspace: 03 9663 6733 I queerspace.org.au
(VIC) 9AM-5PM, Mon-Fri
