21 STRANGERS

A fragmented mind on its way to recovery anonymously chronicles Jax’s life and challenges with dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly called multiple identity disorder. The condition is contradictory; despite her deep sense of gratitude for the protection this disorder offered her, she carries the shame of not facing the trauma head on. Although she is blessed with countless members of her own found family, each of these people know only one part of her compartmentalized mind. Yet despite the walls and safe spaces involved, DID was not foolproof. The complex system failed. This survivor’s tale begs the reader to contemplate one question: Is dissociative identity disorder a blessing or a curse?