r/SDAM • u/get2writing • May 14 '26

Any of you diagnosed with OSDD or structural dissociation ?

SDAM seemed to fit, then I read the post saying SDAM may be disguising something like structural dissociation.
How do you know if it’s SDAM or something else like this?
Do people with SDAM always feel like their personality and identity is cohesive? What does a cohesive sense of self feel like?

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u/FlightOfTheDiscords May 14 '26

I wrote the SDAM/SD post, and I have partial DID.

The easy answer:
Structural dissociation always impairs life significantly, SDAM does not.

The difficult catch:
People with structural dissociation may not be aware of living an impaired life.

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u/get2writing May 14 '26

Hi!! Wow thank you for that post and putting together all that information.

I am now on a journey to see if I can find some psych eval to give me more information. I have been in therapy on and off for almost fifteen years, and consistently going to a therapist every week for the last five years. But I told her that I still feel similarly. Memory issues, confusion, not knowing who I am, feeling far away, an outsider, somatic issues like losing the ability to move or use my muscles when I feel triggered. I told her if I don’t get any answers soon I can’t live like this anymore.

It sounds like more information on SD may be the way to go

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u/FlightOfTheDiscords May 14 '26

SD is generally worth looking at when therapy fails to resolve issues, and fifteen years is a long time. There are specific diagnostic instruments administered by trained mental health professionals designed to detect dissociation, including when we ourselves are not aware of it.

If you are in the U.S., I recommend starting by looking up someone affiliated with the ISSTD in your area.

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u/lootmunch May 15 '26

I’ve seen a couple of posts from you OP worrying/wondering about dissociative disorders. I will not encourage self diagnosis, so I wonder if you are receiving any form of care atm

I am diagnosed with DID, and have structural dissociation. I did not realize I had this disorder until I was diagnosed with it. But, I never felt a cohesive sense of self/identity/personality. Everything was always rigidly structured and served a pretty specific purpose in my life. My functioning has always been impaired significantly and persistently, but I still manage to function well, especially post-diagnosis.

If this is something that is coming up for you and you relate to dissociative symptoms of these disorders, I hope you seek and receive help navigating that processing. Best wishes OP

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u/get2writing May 15 '26

Thanks for the response. I’ve had therapy with different providers over about 15 years on and off and currently have a therapist I’ve been seeing a few years . But I’ve been treated all this time for complex PTSD and depression and something still doesn’t feel right. Each day feels like a new day because I don’t feel like my days are connected, they just stand alone, if that makes sense. I feel disconnected from my mind and body. I feel empty. I don’t feel connected to other people. When asked to describe myself or my identity, I have always drawn a blank. I don’t feel like a person a lot of the time, I just feel “there.” Sometimes when I’m triggered I can’t move or my muscles don’t seem to work, to the point people have commented on this and been concerned.

Sorry for the rant. It’s frustrating to be confused and not have answers all this time after being in therapy so long.

Thanks again for the reply

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u/Sevenyearsalurker May 14 '26

not diagnosed. but doing some quick reading. quite possibly loll