“I’m Melissa, but not all of me are Melissa. I have alternate identities; I’m just one of them"
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In The Bag System Podcast, Melissa aims to demonstrate that Dissociative Identity Disorder isn’t all a tragedy and there can be a fondness for Headmates.
What was once known as Multiple Personality Disorder is the most controversial mental health diagnosis, with even some of those within the field of psychology finding the concept of its existence to be laughable. This stigmatized condition that has been viewed with an air of psychopathy, tragedy, or fascination, though, we fight for mental health equality and respect.
While alternate identities may sound like science-fiction, perhaps, just like the skin we wear, the vulnerability for the mind to break is merely human and relatable. Though, Melissa C. Water prefers to see this, not as the mind breaking, but rather, bending, with more of us now to help each other mend.
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Affiliated With Multiplied By One Org
A nonprofit for trauma, all dissociative disorders and loved ones with online support groups, a magazine, and an upcoming therapist directory.
Our System name comes from what started as a whimsical joke, “I’m dissociating into a bag of Skittles; taste the rainbow.”
Near the beginning of each episode, we play an Intro reel where you can hear the genuine speech of a few Headmates. Skittle laughs and talks with emphasis, or SpitFire bursts out angrily at seeing my reflection during a video call. This can be heard in this short trailer.
Some know Dissociative Identity Disorder as Multiple Personality Disorder. Regardless of the term, related searches indicate interest in stories about DID, or on the psychology of it. Others seek to find tests for diagnosing dissociation, or they hope for treatment.
Whatever you were looking for when you found this website, we hope to offer an educational standpoint, as well as sharing our evolving perspective on living with Headmates.
If you are looking for your own answers, this podcast is us reaching out. You can certainly reach back.
Send us an audio comment or question that we might air on the show! (If you came from the pod, you have the password)
Come join the conversation on our public Discord server.
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), is often viewed with an air of tragedy or fascination. Stigma contributes to both spectrums, though, a middle ground in Mental Health equality is a goal to achieve.
Since her diagnosis, Melissa made a quick, near 180 degrees turn in how she viewed sharing her mind. In her words, “I prefer to see this, not as the mind breaking, but rather, bending, with more of us now to help each other mend.”
DID is considered a trauma-based disorder. While it has earned its place in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual, (DSM-5) it is highly stigmatized and ridiculed, even by some of those in the medical field. Misconceptions lead many away from delving further into how the mind doesn’t have extra people living within it; it creates dissociative walls within one person.
Melissa doesn’t have lots of people in her head; she is one part of a whole person.
The first episode was released in October of 2020. In this time, Melissa reached an audience of both those who share the condition, and those who are supportive. Feedback is growing and positive as The Bag System reached the charts in Japan, Australia, The Netherlands, and with the strongest listening base in the United States.
The fifth episode, “Horribly Fantastic Middle Ground – A DID Fiction Short Story,” saw a 100% download rate. Those who started listening were loyal to see through to the end.
The focus that Melissa brings to her series is not of the trauma that led to her life as multiple, but on self-acceptance and evolving in perspective. There’s nothing positive about adversity, though, while there is struggle, there is clear triumph.
Guests include brothers and sister who expressed believing the Dissociative Identity Disorder diagnosis without a doubt, as they had their suspicions.
Melissa concept created, designed, and is project managing and app for DID systems called Multiplied By One.