Hey, there!

You might be feeling a little confused right now. Don't worry, everything will be okay. This is a carrd meant to help in these situations. Let's start off with a question. Which describes you best?

It's okay that you don't know yourself yet. It will take time!

You may not know your name, your role in the system, or what you identify with/as. But that's okay! These things take a lot of time. You might not necessarily want a name that differs from the body's, or identify differently from it, and that's okay too! Please try to take some time to think about what feels right for you.If you are struggling to find a name you identify with, here are some resources:Google Doc List of Names
The Meaning and History of Names
Similar Name Generator
Fantasy Name Generator
Random Name Generator


You may also be struggling to figure out what pronouns you most identify with. Here are lists that may help!Standard pronouns:
She/Her
He/Him
They/Them
It/Its
Nonbinary Pronoun List
Alphabetised Neopronoun List
Neopronoun List Carrd


You may also be struggling to figure out what role you play in the system. This may take time to figure out, and not every alter has a specific role! Here is a list of common alter roles.
Common Alter Roles


Many systems also use tools such as PluralKit, Simply Plural, and Octocon. These are apps and Discord bots that help systems log alters, switches, display fronters to friends, and use proxies in Discord. Please note, these tools are completely optional, and only there for those who benefit from them! Here are guides on how to use themHow to set up Octocon
How to set up PluralKit
How to set up Simply Plural

That's okay. Let me explain what a system is.A system is a word to refer to someone who has DID/OSDD. It is the collection of alters within one individual with a CDD (Complex Dissociative Disorder)What is DID?
DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder), is a mental health condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states (alters) that alternate in controlling the individual's behavior and thoughts. DID often results in identity confusion, derealisation / depersonalisation, and amnesia.What is OSDD?
OSDD (Other specified dissociative disorder) is a mental health condition that describes a group of dissociative symptoms that do not fully meet the full criteria for other dissociative disorders, such as DID. This means a person with OSDD might also experience identity confusion, derealisation / depersonalisation, and amnesia.

If you are reading this carrd, it means that you have DID/OSDDYou are an alter within a systemWhat is an alter?
An alter is distinct personality state or identity that an individual with DID/OSDD may switch between, each with its own unique thoughts, behaviors, and memories. Alters can have different internal appearances, perceived age, name, likes/dislikes, behaviours, etc.


You may be able to hear other voices, or feel as if there are thoughts in your head that are not your own. These are the other alters within your system. You may be able to speak/communicate with them in order to get a better understanding of your situation. If you do not hear voices/other thoughts, it is okay! You may also be struggling to recall important information about yourself, your past, or don't remember what you were just doing; please know this is normal for this disorder. The body that you are in control of may seem foreign, or wrong, but please know it is still yours, and your life is still yours, despite the disorder. You have just as much a right to be fronting as any other alter. You may not recognise the people around you, but they are still your friends/family if you chose for them to be.


You may recall memories from the past, or memories that don't seem to align with your current situation. Please know this is also normal. You may be struggling with feelings that you do not belong in this world/reality, or that you are another person/from a source of media. This is called introjection. Your feelings are real, and your struggles are valid.


There is no rush to figure out your situation, or to understand who you are/what role you play in your system.

That's okay.

It is currently the year 2025, and you are a human being on the planet earth. Please try to take a moment to orient yourself to your surroundings. They may feel new, unfamiliar, or dangerous at first. Please know that this is normal for a new alter!You may feel that the year, your surroundings, your name, your age, your appearance, or any other features may be 'incorrect'. Please know this is also normal for systems, and you are not alone. The feelings you are feeling right now are valid, and real.Please take a moment to check the date, to survey and familiarise yourself with your surroundings, and to notice the objects around you. You may have a notebook with information, or you may have notes in your phone that explain your situation. You may also have an app such as Simply Plural or Octocon where you can learn more about your system.Please know there is no rush to figure out your situation, or to understand who you are/what role you play in your system.

If you are in an emergency, please use one of the resources below:

USA
Emergency services number: 911
Suicide hotline: 988
National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color
Therapy for Black Girls
ZenCare
Choosing Therapy
Find A Health Center
Find Your Local NAMI
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Free Clinics
MedLine Plus Directories
Sheppard Pratt
Integrative Trauma Treatment Center
Domestic Violence Shelter Locator
Covenant House - for homeless youth
Homeless Shelter Directory
National Coalition for the Homeless
The Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists
Give An Hour
RAINN
GLMA Provider Finder - for the LGBT community
ANAD - eating disorder peer support and referral service
Brain Injury Association - for people with brain injuries


Canada
Emergency services number: 911
Suicide hotline: 988
Suicide Crisis Helpline
Canadian Mental Health Association Crisis Line (Edmonton)
Trans lifeline
Toronto Distress Centres
Ontario Mental Healthline
Gerstein Crisis Centre
Canadian Mental Health Hotlines


UK
Emergency services number: 999
Suicide hotline: NHS 111
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Black Minds Matter
British Association of Art Therapists
Relate - for relationship counselling
The Pottergate Centre
Clinic for Dissociative Studies
NHS Community Mental Health Service
Find Autism Help and Support - for autistic people


International
GoodTherapy
PsychologyToday
Male Survivor - For male survivors of sexual abuse
Postpartum Support International
TalkSpace - online therapy