I received an inquiry from a DID FB group participant asking if I could suggest a card that might be carried by someone with DID. The idea is that it could be used to explain what they needed when dealing with a difficult public situation, like waiting too long in a doctor’s crowded office. In short, something that could be used in that kind of situation to let whoever you are dealing with know what you need without having to explain in detail.

The analogy that came to mind was the cards some deaf individuals use to alert people that they are deaf and so lip read or use sign language to communicate. For those who are deaf, it is something along the lines of “I speak in sign language. If you don’t, in order to help with communication, I also read lips so please look directly at me and speak normally.” This alerts others that there is an issue in communication for which there is a simple clear solution.

Here, we are talking about a communication card to do the same thing for those with trauma issues in public situations. The card language I suggest below identifies the issue, which is anxiety and panic, and the solution. It is not necessary to identify oneself as having DID or other dissociative disorders. (I have cautioned in other blog posts concerning the risks involved in that.) In any event, your DID diagnosis is more information than is needed in most ordinary interactions, like at a doctor’s office or for a meeting at a government agency administration office.

Perhaps something like:

“I have a problem with anxiety and panic. It can be triggered by being in a crowded or enclosed space as well as having to wait for appointments too long, even in a comfortable waiting room. If I have to wait in this room for longer than 15 minutes, it will be difficult for me. It is easier for me to slowly walk around the block while waiting. I will not be more than 10 minutes away. Please call me on my cellphone:  ____________ with a 15 minute warning and I will return immediately. Thank you for your understanding.”

Keeping it short (this will fit on a business card) and simple, avoids the need for detailed explanations. Most questions in those kinds of social situations begin with asking for identification information. I would not have that information on this card – just your cellphone. I suggest you have your driver’s license and Social security information separately ready to hand to a receptionist, for example, as needed. This again limits the need for you to speak if you are worried about being triggered in that environment.

Keep your verbal responses to a simple yes or no. Perhaps have a pad and pen if it is easier to write a short answer rather than speak out loud. This is the kind of accommodation that is made for many difficulties. Once you identify yourself as having an anxiety problem, I think it unlikely that people will suddenly conclude that you have DID and proceed based on their confused understanding of dissociative disorders.

The general public is well aware of anxiety issues and the idea of a panic attack. This may be a way to meet them where they are comfortable, in their understanding of anxiety, so that they can help you feel safe navigating the situation.

I never thought to suggest this to my DID patients when I was practicing psychiatry. In retrospect, I likely would have suggested it as something to try. I am happy to say that I continue to learn from the DID community. I hope this is helpful. If other members of the DID community have further suggestions, or perhaps better language, please do share that.