Join Derrick and Friends for "I D.I.D. It!" with Warriors for Life (WFL) TONIGHT!

Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
Mar 4
3 min read

Join our Volunteer, Army Veteran & Peer Support Specialist/Supervisor Derrick Iozzio TONIGHT for "Forever Forward!" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, sponsored and presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).

We are asking everyone to share who we are and what support that Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is providing via WFL. If you know someone who is a veteran, first responder or a family member/caregiver, please ask them to join us for at least one meeting so they can learn more about what we do and how they can share their wisdom with others who may be able to learn from them.

TONIGHT's Topic: "I D.I.D. It!"

Join Derrick and friends TONIGHT for "I D.I.D. It!" A discussion about Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) severely impacts mental health by causing fragmentation of identity, leading to severe memory gaps, chronic anxiety, and depression. It often stems from severe childhood trauma, resulting in distinct, involuntary personality shifts, emotional numbness, and, in severe cases, high risks of self-harm or suicidal behavior.

Key effects on mental health include:

Memory Loss & Time Loss: Significant gaps in personal history, not remembering daily events, or "losing" large chunks of time.
Identity Alteration: Experiencing two or more distinct personalities or states (alters) that control behavior, often with different voices or mannerisms.
Emotional & Mental Distress: High levels of anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and mood swings.
Dissociation & Depersonalization: Feeling detached from one's own body, emotions, or surroundings, often described as watching oneself in a movie.
Functional Impairment: Difficulty in daily life, work, and relationships due to confusion, mistrust, or unpredictable behavior shifts.
Safety Risks: High prevalence of self-destructive behaviors and suicidal ideation.

Treatment typically involves long-term psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication for comorbid symptoms.

Coping with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) focuses on long-term psychotherapy (specifically CBT, DBT, or trauma-focused therapy) to improve safety, reduce dissociation, and foster integration of identities. Key strategies include developing daily routines, practicing grounding techniques, identifying triggers, using medications for symptoms, and building a supportive environment.

Professional Treatment and Therapy

Psychotherapy: The primary treatment, often involving trauma-focused therapies to process past experiences and reduce dissociation.
Identity Integration: Therapy aims to harmonize different identity states (alters) into a single, cohesive self.
Specialized Techniques: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can manage flashbacks and trauma-related symptoms.
Hypnotherapy: Sometimes used to access or communicate with alternate personalities and process memories.

Daily Management and Coping Strategies

Grounding Techniques: Using methods like touching cold water, deep breathing, or focusing on sensory details to stay present when switching or dissociating.
Identifying Triggers: Working with a therapist to identify and manage situations that trigger dissociative episodes.
Structured Routine: Using diaries, planners, and schedules to maintain stability.
Self-Care: Ensuring adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and regular exercise to manage stress and anxiety.
Internal Communication: Learning to communicate and negotiate with alters to reduce conflict and work together.

Support Systems

Support Groups: Connecting with others with DID to reduce isolation and share coping strategies.
Family Therapy: Involving loved ones to help them understand the disorder and provide effective support.

Medication

There are no specific medications for DID, but doctors may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication to treat co-occurring symptoms.

It is essential to work with a mental health professional specializing in trauma to develop a personalized treatment plan

Tips to Stop Dissociating

Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Forever Forward!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Thursday (TONIGHT), March 5, 2026, @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81682532691

Thank you,

Derrick Iozzio, Army Veteran, Peer Support Specialist/Supervisor, Catch 22 Peer Support Founder, & Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)