Systems Against SPLIT | DID stigmatisation in the media

[@aquaquad7]

I just wanted to say, in the hope that it will comfort someone with DID, that when I watched the movie Split, it did not leave me with a negative perspective on the condition. Instead it made me curious about the DID, encouraging me to read up about it and discovered this wonderful channel.

[@richardcarte139]

I think it’s easy for people with any mental disorder to take a look at a film portrayal of that disorder and I automatically think that it’s supposed to be a direct representation only because film is such a visual medium and the most psychological medium of all art mediums. I think people when they react like this aren’t trying to necessarily bash or rag on any of the filmmakers or actors or anyone involved with the film but they just don’t know how to read film. There’s so much metaphor, open ended interpretation Etc. that go in to making anyone film.

[@richardcarte139]

It could be just me, but I don’t think the altars killing each other in the film identity was meant to be taken literally. I think the killer personality behind the DID patient character in the film was meant to be more of a representation of him never receiving proper love along with the treatment and therefore the personality that could possibly most represent the survival instinct was the one that took over. Or to put it simply, he never had the proper love and therefore he never learned empathy and compassion therefore all he knew was survival. Overall I think the film identity was really just using DID as merely a way to create a source of grounding and reality to the story. I think it’s really a film that uses DID is more of a metaphor for the inner struggles we all have with the Darkside of our human nature. And in the case split the filmmakers were looking at the less than 2% of D ID cases which are of course sociopaths or psychopaths with the DID. Kevin and each of his personalities were directly based on real cases of sociopaths and psychopaths with DID. They chose DID as a representation of the superpowers mainly because of real cases involving DAD patients being able to change aspects of their physicality for example this one case, the name of the man slips my memory at the moment, who was a blind manWith a personality who actually saw which was proven through the brain scans they took of him while he was in that personality and the other personalities. There are also cases of diabetic people with D ID who actually physically became an diabetic when switched into one of their personalities. And therefore the filmmakers figured that DID coupled with the whole mind over matter, beliefs and manifestation themes of the film series would probably be the closest real life thing to what you may consider to be dark powers of a super villain. The thing with the film is you really got a know how to read it. Depending on what kind of film anyone film is, not everything on screen is always meant to be a literal representation. Kevin in split can also be a representation of societies brutal judgments and sweeping under the rug or DID patients. That being said I do understand how someone who is uneducated in film and not language so to speak could see it as such. It’s easy to do that with many forms of visual art and art in general but especially film because film is the most psychological of all the art forms. Overall the only way to get a true sense of what is like is to have it. Even if the film has a character that is portraying 100% accuracy there could be always something in that film to some extent visually, metaphorically or otherwise that could throw it off as inaccurate.

[@Muire2]

Same here. I realised that it wasn't an accurate portrayal and just a fictionalised version, but I do understand that some people watch movies without their brains 'switched on' and unintentionally walk away with biases they may not even be consciously aware of. So I can see how it's very worrying for people with DID as they will come across those biases every day.

[@morpherthewolf6755]

I watched Split recently, and as someone with DID, I thought the movie was hilarious. I knew it wasn't going to be an accurate representation, so I went in with that in mind and laughed at how wrong certain parts were, and was actually surprised when they got a few things right (very few). I kept thinking "Surely no one could think that this is actually what DID really looks like and will know this is just horror for horror's sake." It wasn't until I brought up seeing the movie to my mom that she freaked out and was like "You watched that movie by yourself?!" And I said "Yeah, I love scary movies, and besides it was funny." Her response was "Funny? It was so scary though! That crazy guy who kept switching personalities and that ending where he turns into that beast! Plus, people like that actually exist which is the scariest part!" And I was just sitting there thinking "...Nervermind, this movie is as harmful as everyone says it is."

[@Drawcandy]

MorpherTheWolf holy shit that sucks :/

[@nikcile4034]

"i would have just told her on the spot that i got did"

[@theclownsystem9429]

That's awful. Someone just told me in a comment that it's not the movie's fault people believe it. Yes it is. False information gets spread with movies like these and people take it as truth, especially if they've never heard of DID before.

[@erinmcn14]

I’m not gonna lie this movie is where I first heard about DID, and I did enjoy it, I also thought the actors all did a great job. But after watching people’s responses to the film I can understand that it is harmful to people with DID. It’s what caused me to look into the disorder and watch different KZbinrs who are part of a system and has overall pushed me to learn about it.

[@DarkRelm22]

The Cinematography is good, the music score isn't bad, but the harm it can do is.... harshly... damning and most people cannot see why, so thank you for understanding, and if you can help others understand it would mean the world to my system, and every D.I.D System.

[@xOoMiryOox]

Honestly I feel that split actually helped me become more aware of DID. In fact it was the first thing I looked up after watching it. Although, the main character is portrayed as bad, you can tell that not all the personalities are evil and are actually there to protect the original host. James McAvoys character was probably the only one I actually felt for in the movie as you can actually understand what trauma he's been through to have to need so many alters. But I can understand how it can be upsetting to people with DID. I love your videos though! They're very eye opening and fun to watch ! :D

[@Howjuderolls]

I am really glad to see that some people decide to educate themselves after seeing split. I have also experienced hate from someone who saw it so it really depends on the person i guess

[@yukidrag0n485]

Personally, I loved the movie Split. However, I understand it is not an accurate portrayal of DID and I see it as a work of fiction only. I just hope other people do their research.

[@Lalsdragon]

“...The monsters are my abusers.” -Olivia This. THIS!!!!

[@ride-playerbb2818]

I like to think that the biggest problem with these kinds of movies is not the idea of portraying DID people as villainous, but the idea that they're evil _because_ of their DID

[@slurmp9008]

It doesn't do that though, it literally separates the personalites specifically to show you that. Dennis is evil, Patricia is evil. The other 22 are good and want nothing to do with it. Dennis being evil doesn't make Kevin evil. That's not how it works. Kevin has two evil personalities inside of him because he has 23 fucking people inside of him. You pick off 24 people off the street you'll probably find a bad egg or two. All people aren't pure and good.

[@allyann6557]

split made me aware and interested in DID. it didn't make me believe people with DID are bad, it just made me curious.

[@msUldora]

It's even sadder when you consider the fact that the movie took inspiration from Billy Milligan's life, an actual DID suffering person. Yes, he was a felon, but no, he was not a monster. Perhaps there's nothing wrong with tropes per se, but seeing mentally ill people portrayed as monsters again and again is tiring and harmful to people who face such things everyday.

[@audreystarr6166]

The biggest problem I see with this movie is that people are still gonna chalk it up as "not a real disorder" which makes it extremely hard for those of us who live with it to even get a diagnosis and the right treatment for it. If it's portrayed as a horror movie and fiction, nobody will ever take it seriously.

[@notdefectiveschizoaffective]

Similar to Split, my past high school approved a “dark comedy” called “Quite Contrary” (or something like that. It’s been years). It’s a play created by teenagers about a person who has DID who murders people. This murderous mentally ill character “became that way when they killed their abusive parents” or whatever. There were supposed to be SONGS in the play, but the teacher in charge thought the play would be too long. I think the play was too long by existing. Disgusting that such a play was ever approved.

[@lavstoybox]

i dont think its right to make a play about something like did whether its portrayed right or not, because you cant genuinely act having did. it is a mental disorder, not a stereotype or personality that you can mimic. /nm /g -lavender(she/they)

[@liarusso1283]

Personally, when first coming across the trailer, I was more inclined to find information about DID. I remember watching 'Sybil' at a younger age and being curious as to what it meant. This film, although extreme to say the least, is targeted towards a generation that will be more inquisitive and supportive rather than fearing it all together. To the people that can see this and seek information ... you are truly incredible. To people that believe one representation defines all cases, please, I beg of you, look deeper.

[@cmuncy5998]

I just want to apologize to anyone with DID. I was wrong with my original interpretation of DID. Finding Jess...and Ed and Jamie and and Jake and Ollie and even Gaz and made me really realize just how wrong I have always been . People with DID are people, just trying to survive and live in this harsh world. I myself have depression and anxiety(no where near facing the obstacles with DID face). I understand to an extremely small degree on how stigmatized mental health is. And I am only now becoming mentally strong enough to talk about my problems without the fear of people thinking what I have doesn’t exist and without people thinking I can’t be a functioning human while having a mental health disorder. My son has autism and I constantly have to fight his battles for him against stigma. And even with all my understanding of our disorders, I still was wrong about DID. And I am so sorry for thinking what I have always though. But since finding Multiplicity and Me, I have watched and learned about Jess’s life. About all the amazing people in her body and her amazing support system. The love that Gaz has for her AS WELL AS each and every alter is eye opening. Thank you for showing me what DID truly is. Please know it is reaching people and changing minds to understand that you are just another person in this difficult world. Thank you and I am sorry.

[@georgerobins4110]

cmuncy599 It's very brave of you to come out and admit your previous misconceptions. I'm glad that Jess and the boys helped you turn that around and change your perspective. Much love from all of us in The Melon System ❤️

[@banana_charm]

Hello :) This movie actually made me more empathetic towards people with DID. As a psych student, I learned about DID but not in depth. 'Split' sparked my interest in the condition and that's how I found your channel. It was more of a thriller than a horror movie (if it matters). I loved this movie. In interviews with James McAvoy (who played the main character in the film), he explained how important to him it was to represent people with DID as accurately as possible. The actors also told how important it was to generate empathy from the audience. It worked on me. The whole "beast" personality was supernatural and created because this film is the sequel to the movie 'Unbreakable' with the character Mr. Glass. When watching, I knew that real people with DID wouldn't actually have an evil alter like that. It must be difficult for people with DID, or any other disorder or condition, to see Hollywood misrepresent them. Filmmakers rarely get it right. But please know that for me and many others in the comments, the film didn't make people with DID look like monsters.

[@hylaforder4172]

Sarah Molina I love this! I was thinking the same exact thing! The movie (although I've always been into psychology) has really sparked my interest in learning about DID.

[@allisonh2340]

I watched Split while I was working in a mental health facility, we didn't have any clients with DID that I was aware of, but the movie didn't make me afraid of any of our clients, just like how Jeffrey Dahmer doesn't make me afraid of people with Borderline Personality Distorder, or how David Berkowitz doesn't make me afraid of people with Schizophrenia. A hollywood interpretation, or a man that committed horrible acts as a serial killer, doesn't define a group of people with a mental illness. It would be awfully ignorant of me, or anyone else, to assume that because a serial killer has schizophrenia, that all people with schizophrenia are going to be murderers. I'm not sure if that makes sense, but all I'm trying to say is that it's awful to define an entire group of people based on one negative example. I liked Split because it sparked my interest into another aspect of mental health and it made me want to learn what it's truly like. That being said, I do acknowledge that many people will watch Split and form their opinions without learning anything else, just like people will hear about a serial killer with a diagnosed mental illness and assume that everyone with that illness is a killer.. Fear stems from what we don't understand, and not understanding something is a direct consequence of sheer laziness.

[@Zafira108]

I totally agree with you!

[@kkibela]

Its not nice when people continually portray people like you as being evil for entertainment purposes.. Def felt that growing up.. I dont have d. I. D I am just black.. What I can say from the outside is the film led me here and I'm happy to have discovered so much Information about the reality of the situation...i hope that is the same for everyone that sees a negative stereotype in the media.. I have felt privileged to get to know all the differnt systems and i feel well equipped to not be a douchebag if and when I do meet a system confident enough to Introduce themselves to me.. I have also realised I think i knew at least one person with alters that was keeping it a secret or at least didn't think any of us cared enough to notice. So I thank you for that illumination as well..

[@mars7341]

I'm 15 years old and my best friend (20) has D.I.D. She has seven personalities; lyeena, cayne, Samantha (main personality), Andre, west, Audrey and Lilly (a little). Upon seeing the trailer for split we both were disgusted about the portrayal of people with D.I.D. So we decided to try to make a change; we came up with an informative campaign called "PeopleNotMonsters" we did presentations at different schools talking about D.I.D. and the stigma surrounding it. We went to seven different schools; allowing the students to meet one of her personalities. We had hoped from the beginning that this would have made a change; and it did. At our third school, after the assembly, someone came forward saying they had D.I.D. and introducing me and my friend to his personalities we were so touched by this and hope that the stigma surrounding D.I.D. would have been raised as an issue and ended.

[@Gayditor]

i think the most insane thing about split is that all the alters are working to help the persecutor hurt the host. why would they do that. what.

[@ambotak99]

God i feel bad. I used to have this stigma about DID that it is dangerous and scary. I'm really thnkful that I started watching your videos because it really opened my eyes that DID is not a scary condition. After knowing Jamie, Ed, Jake and Olie; and after watching your videos, I've learned to love and understand DID. Thank you so much for posting these videos. I'm studying psychology and I hope that I'll be an understanding and loving one someday. :)

[@cmuncy5998]

Brylle Nico Fernandez I could not have worded this any better. I feel the EXACT same way. I feel so bad that I felt that way before-but after finding Jess...and Ed and Jake and Jamie and Ollie...I see it so differently now. These are real people just trying to make it through life just like everyone else.

[@georgerobins4110]

Uncle Oops It's very brave of you to admit that you used to believe the DID stereotypes. This comment makes me so happy because it shows that the hard work from DID KZbinrs like MultiplicityAndMe, DissociaDID, The Entropy System, and TeamPinata is having an impact and helping erase the stigma. Much love from all of us in The Melon System ❤️

[@TheRainbowUnicorn]

so I saw split but instead of being scared of DID I just got really interested and started looking up things about it on KZbin to learn more and found your channel ... I think you guys are great and I want to meet someone like you guys one day I support you 100%

[@ballerrabbid9105]

I have DID. Out of 6 alters I have 2 who are dangerous and get me into a lot of trouble. I've often come round in a police station or in hospital. This movie didn't show DID in a bad light, it showed bad alters and made people feel sympathy for the system. I exist. By saying that someone with DID being showed to have bad alters is like saying I don't exist or I'm an outcast from everyone fortunate enough to have good alters. Just because this movie didn't show the good side to DID doesn't mean it shouldn't be out there, I take a lot of comfort knowing people got to see what some of us have to put up with. The moment the system woke up and realised what his alters had done was like a chapter of my life I have to live so many times. For me, there is a movie out there which can help people understand me. Mental illness isn't always about showing the "good side"... I've been arrested and charged for crimes before and with attitudes like yours people are less likely to believe that dangerous alters exist.

[@SpydersByte]

it's not about believing or not believing that dangerous alters exist, it's about the sheeple out there who don't care or wont bother to look deeper into the subject and will think that ALL alters are bad.

[@ballerrabbid9105]

SpydersByte By saying it's important people know that all alters aren't bad is ignoring most of the movie. The lead has lived for many years in peace and with his good alters ensuring he's law abiding and able to work and make friends and live independently. The audience see the good alters who say they are not represented by the few bad ones. I once woke up in a police station after one of my alters beat my fiance up and even though he told police it wasn't me, they locked me up and charged me. It wasn't until trial that I was able to speak up and explain that I have no control over my alters behaviour. People still doubt me and call me a liar. So many people with DID have representation, they are featured on TV interviews, there are KZbin documentaries about people living with DID and smiling while saying it's a positive thing for them. I rarely see anyone like me unless it's "criminal minds" or something like that. Split is something that opened up doors for conversation for me. I suddenly had people who had condemned me start asking me if things were similar, I had work colleagues who had previously refused to acknowledge my disorder come up to me and apologise for not believing me. It's not making people stand outside my door with pitch forks, it's people who actually understood the movie. A part of the movie where Kevin comes round and sees what his alters did, where he realises his loss of control had hurt people and it made him feel so defenseless, I've been there. I've seen trashed rooms and handcuffs for things I didn't remember doing and I've wanted to die, I've begged family members to drive me to a cliff so I could jump. I related to the movie, it's helped me. It's not fair for the majority of people with DID to say they deserve to have more representation when people like me rarely get any unless it's a romanticised murder documentary. Again. I exist and I want to be recognised as much as everyone else. It's hard enough to be discriminated against by people who don't understand DID. But for others with DID to try and say I shouldn't be represented because they don't want to be thought of the same as me is pretty gutting. Those with DID wanting those of us with dangerous alters to not have a movie made about us are as bad as people who call all of us liars and crazy.

[@georgerobins4110]

baller rabbid Have you ever watched videos by TeamPinata? I feel like you would relate to their system a lot. They definitely struggle a lot with persecutors (alters who hurt other people, other alters, or the body) and have been through a lot of negative crap. Personally, I feel Hedwig is Split's one redeeming quality. I can't watch his scenes without smiling because he reminds me so much of one of our child alters. My system doesn't have any really active persecutors, and even the one only self harms in non life threatening and non scarring ways (namely she bites our wrists and hands) so I can't relate to what you've been through. I'm glad that Split helped you, because that means it did do some good. But DID representation has been inaccurate for such a long long time (Dr. Jekyl and Mr Hyde, Fight Club, Me Myself & Irene, Identity, etc) that I think most people just want something that stands out as distinctly positive, accurate, and empowering. To quote Wyn from The Entropy System "it's depicted as being debilitating, and for some people it is, but it doesn't *HAVE* to be." is probably the main driving force behind the DID movement. The negative side of DID has been shown a lot, so we should also show some of the not so terrible things. It's sort of a whiplash, I guess. (Also 3 Faces of Eve has an alter who is violent in the beginning if that helps you find something to relate to)

[@annas299]

Dear Jess, Split does not show that people with DID are bad. Even the beast for me is not an evil. He has his points. And he has suffered as well as the others. This film made me only want to know more about DID. And I really like these people. I feel sympathy towards them not a disgust or fear after watching this movie.

[@kreater120]

Me too, but sadly not everyone is like you and me. Most of them are getting weird ideas about DID being very bad and are scared.

[@8bit252]

I have DID and I have actually received letters and text messages on how me and my alters are the best babysitters some people have found.....if we were really that bad....people wouldn't have hired us... even the kids we babysit like us! We're not monsters and some people are just to stupid to relies we're just like a normal person!!

[@quietdemon8138]

So you aren’t worried that one of your alters could just snap and kill any of the kids? As a father myself I’m sorry but I wouldn’t trust you I don’t mean to appear insensitive to you but the safety of my children come first, for all you know one of them HAS been committing illegal acts and you have absolutely no idea

[@andreassweetcakes79]

I feel that if you want the stigma to end then keep doing what your doing. Make educational videos showing your story or experiences with DID. I watched Split and enjoyed it for the thriller is was. I understand the case you make, however it’s ones responsibility to educate ones self. I actively searched for information on DID. I personally do not have DID, but have experienced trauma in my childhood. You can’t blame each individual for taking Split literally. It’s up to the individual to educate themselves, no? I did, and I just find the human mind fascinating. I see that you all are wonderful people just trying to live a normal life, and I commend you for it. So I encourage your wonderful videos ending the stigma. Who better to show the public how DID Can be managed then actual diagnosed Systems. Great work! 👍

[@shammydoesshit]

To be honest, I went to the movies without watching the trailer and barely knowing what it was about. And what I saw was a movie that portrayed the illness sufferers as victims. Every alter was shown as a good person, even the 'harmful' ones, trying to protect themselves and doing what they thought was the best. The therapist character stands for her patients and fights against the world to show they exist and need to get more consideration and recognition. When you see the movie, you see a plot about victims of abuse trying to cope with their past and pain. You don't really see villains. The sympathy and warmth is shown in a thoughtful way. And yes, the so-called 'beast' is meant to be scary in some way, and has nothing to do with real DID, but then again they let us know in the end that the universe it takes place in is a superhero universe. So it sort of surprised me when I saw all the madness about boycotting and so on... until I saw the trailer. Which is just another poorly-made trailer to attract horror-movie fans. But it really has nothing to do with the movie itself, because it's not a horror movie. It's an empowering story about victims of abuse, mental health and empathy. What I came here to say is that what I really got from this movie was awareness, because I had no idea about DID, and it made me look for information to contrast and understand the people who deal with it every day. And what they inspire me has nothing to do with fear; just respect and sympathy for all those who are strong to cope, fight for a peaceful, happy life, no matter the disorder they're struggling with.

[@chase1146]

Personally I found the movie not to be a psychopath horror movie and what sparked an interest in did.

[@chase1146]

The trailer really portrays split as something it’s really not.

[@trollfunk]

To all the commenters who don't have DID and are saying they didn't see it as offensive/enjoyed it...you're completely missing the point. It didn't effect you because you don't have to deal with the stigma these people have.

[@moustachesamari9184]

Kewpie Cutie not true. I don't have it, and I understand that I DONT understand how it affects them, but most of those people didn't actually watch the movie and I did and if you actually watch the movie the whole point of the movie is that the alters in Kevin's body want the world to see that DID exists, and that, and I quote, "The broken are the more evolved". When you watch the movie its not meant to make him seem like a monster, other than "The Beast" but even the beast is there to protect Kevin.

[@poppeta22]

I only just stumbled across your channel. I'm finishing a Disability Studies class where we question stigmas and representations of differences in all forms of media. I saw this with my sister and was rather appalled with it for the same reasons. Jamie, you are quite charming and more interesting than you give yourself credit for. Ed, I would love to hang out and talk books with you all day, any day. Jake, never lose that boisterous, fun-loving side of yours. And Ollie, you are such a sweetheart, I know your parents are proud. Jess, you and your boys are amazing for speaking out and making it OK for others to speak up too. You are all so charming and quirky!

[@saigen7271]

I'm glad I discovered your channel, because before I discovered it, I felt skeptic about the disorder. You're doing an amazing thing by bringing attention to destigmatising DID, and you've inspired me to fight to destigmatize a disorder I suffer with and get judged for, or BPD. Thanks to you and your channel, I feel like I better understand you and other DID-afflicted people. We're all people, no matter what disorders we have. ❤️

[@quietdemon8138]

So you don’t fear anybody with it? For all we know people with it could have an alter than could snap and kill you and then switch back and say ‘it wasn’t me’ just because they say THEY aren’t violent doesn’t mean the others in their mind will be, imo people with this disorder fundamentally need to be either permanently cured with years of help or locked up for life because we have no idea what they are capable of

[@MyBubblegumcandy]

Given i have a different mental disorder I totally understand how hollywoods interpretations on mental disorders can really damage the person and create a stigma! 13 reasons why set me back a lot! I got sent home from work because i was so traumatized from the show. Everyone who has depression, DID, schizophrenia, and many other disorders are just normal human beings just dealing with an obstacle, that’s all it is. Its like a small wall and we climb over it time and time again. We are just like you, we just have a different normal.

[@finley5065]

Hello! My name is Sierra and i have DID. I refuse to see this movie. it hurt me as a person and ive been hurt enough. I have lost 2 friends who refuse to believe that i have DID. Being a young girl with DID it hurts to see a HORROR MOVIE about this disorder. I hate all of this. when i first saw the ad,i cried. i didnt wanna tell anyone and i didnt for a long time. when i hear my friends talking about how much they liked the movie,i have to have an alter take over. We are not monsters. please...dont believe that we are like that

[@libralord729]

One thing we can't deny, James McAvoy killed his part

[@dareionh6844]

I just wanted to say how unbelievably brave you all are. And though I have no right to be, I'm so proud of you all. I admit that the reason I ever decided to research DID was because of the movie split. But in no way In a negative connotation. I was interested and quite frankly amazed to see how wonderful the human mind works. You're all part of each other. You make up a system that WORKS TOGETHER. Sadly through something traumatic but you all lean on each other and get through it. People with DID are incredible human beings. And I am truly proud of you all for not being afraid to admit it with so many out there that don't understand. Love you guys!!!!

[@chloekelleher5234]

Hi Jess and company :) I'm a brand new follower, just happened to find you in this late night KZbin rabbit hole, and I'm so happy I have. One of my best friends had recently been diagnosed with DID, and I've been trying to learn as much as I can about it so I can be as helpful and supportive as possible. I really appreciate you making your life such an open book :)

[@CorgiLPSTV]

Not gonna lie, the actor was great, my mom even met him! But the way they portrayed DID, I don't think it was fair. I mean, the only identity that was slightly kind, was the kid. I feel like almost all identities can be kind but people who don't do research won't understand that. I'm sorry for everyone with DID that felt ashamed after watching Split. You're all amazing.

[@ssharkbait]

i just watched an interview with James McAvoy who plays Kevin and his alters in the movie said he couldn't find anyone with DID in time to sit and talk with him so he spoke to therapist/psychiatrist who are experts in the feild and watched vlogs of people with DID (maybe even some of yours). He seemed very informed. I am in no way telling anyone with DID that they are wrong for boycotting or telling people to. I personally enjoyed the film and was able to gain an immense understanding of DID and gained sympathy for those with it. I just think you should see the movie before deciding its a negative portrayal.

[@madelinep5291]

Burt C0caine A few points: -I've seen the movie, it still hurts. -I know many many people with DID who would've jumped at the opportunity to help make this movie accurate! All McAvoy had to do was hope on tumblr and search "dissociative identity disorder." There's a large, willingly helpful community right there at his fingertips. -Talking to a therapist still isn't the best. And looking at the portrayal in the movie? He didn't even use proper terminology. There's misinformation and blatantly wrong things going on. There could've been a lot more research put into this film.

[@ssharkbait]

Madeline P he was hired onto the film only a month before filming. he said he tried and couldn't find anyone to sit and talk with him within that time but used KZbin vlogs as insight. im sure m night exaggerated or misinterpreted the truth for dramatic purposes. hes not the best writer admittedly. im sure he couldve took the time to do a more faithful job. again im not trying to downplay your hurt or trying to say you have no right to be. besides the obvious trope of "people with mental illnesses/disabilities are evil" what about the potrayal did you find offensive or didnt agree with? id love to get a better understanding.

[@madelinep5291]

Burt C0caine I've written a lot of replies on the KZbin comments, so you could always check with those if I miss anything (which I probably will) -There's a lot of misinformation in the movie, such as the regrowing optical nerves part? Like wtf? And the single alter with diabetes? Plus, the movie uses inaccurate medical terms, has a bad representation of OCD, the therapist is way out of bounds, and the therapist also seems way too into "unlocking the human potential." Plus, the physical body can't be changed the way the beast changes it in the movie. This blend of misinformation and truth leads it even harder to defend against those who believe the movie to be completely true - there's one or two pieces of good information in there, it must all be true, right? (I've run into this a lot personally) -The beast. In general. Like, that's not really how alters work? At all? Yes, there's violent alters, but most of the harm they post is to the person with DID themselves. Besides, the violent alters are people too! They don't deserve to be stigmatized like this. Violent parts often form because of an inability to cope with the trauma, and the reason they're violent is because that's the only way they know how to cope. Violent alters are often hurting themselves, and movies like this only further block them from the necessary therapy they need. -Both my close friends with DID and I have received hateful comments about people with DID because of this movie - along the lines of "people with DID are killers and should be locked up." It hurts a lot when you hear people you thought would support you say this in the halls to you between classes. -I would just really, really, really fucking love at least one, good, accurate representation of DID/OSDD in the media.

[@chynnasmith8398]

Split was a movie that perhaps didn't represent D.I.D well, BUT I was unaware of D.I.D. before it and after I saw it i decided to look up actual people, such as you, to see what it was actually like. I think nothing less of anyone with this disorder. I think that the host and alters are actually quite strong to deal with the stigma. I hope that things change and stigma is left behind.

[@BlueJWay999]

What they need to do is create a realistic story that will educate people, not scare them by portraying DID as something so negative.

[@BakinKoljac]

i see why people could have a problem with this movie but i assume that for the most part, the audience don't think that people with DID are in any way dangerous. especially because most of the personalities of james mcavoy's character are portrayed in a positive way.

[@Bethythepurplelover]

My husband recently got diagnosed with DID. he has 4 personalities I love watching your videos helped me understand about DID. All thanks to everyone I know what I can do to help him and his alters. I love them all :3 for themselves and yes all of them, I've seen are super happy and bubbly friendly most of the time like my husband. :3

[@noc6041]

I loved Split. This is actually how I found your channel. The film prompted me to look into DID more. Im not scared of people with DID. I think Split prompted many people to look into it more.

[@Willow13]

Same here. I watched (and really enjoyed) the movie, and then thought "okeeey... but what in real life?" so here we are...

[@Indrakusuma_a]

I'm exactly like both of you here. I enjoyed lots of movies, but only as entertaining materials, not affecting the real life. I try to understand people with DID will strongly against this movie. But at least, there are 3 of us here(and perhaps many others out there) who were triggered to find out more about DID in real life and not being afraid or any negative thinking at all towards people with DID. Remember, folks, movies =/= real life. So be smart :)

[@Mia-zq9hc]

This is so mind opening! It was actually the film that encouraged me to research the condition further. After many videos later, including documentaries and DID vlogs, I can honestly say I am so pleased that I am now finding out this condition that affects so many people. I will never see someone with DID as a 'freak' or a 'psycho' because this film motivated me to research further and I will definitely research any other conditions I come across in life in order to understand many more people. This comment is in no support of the film 'Split' but I just felt it would be appropriate to tell you how I came across your lovely channel!

[@kiarabreck5746]

As someone with a fairly close friend with D.I.D I find that split does nothing but harm those who have the disorder. They, after seeing the trailer, had a panic attack and even triggered the alter that was in charge at the moment, as it was seen by one of which who is suicidal. This movie will stigmatize and harm an already damaged group of people. This group is not dangerous, they are not predators. The are traumatized and deserve the same respect anyone else deserves. And to those that are saying that other mental illnesses are stigmatized too. Yes you are right but we are not talking about those mental illnesses at the moment. I am bipolar and I get stigmatized and oppressed but that doesn't change the fact that these people are also stigmatized and that this movie is putting a negative impact on people with D.I.D. as of how others view them.

[@julyblossom]

I first want to say that I'm so sorry Split makes so many of you feel this way. I saw the movie, and aside from being a suspense thriller, I found it opened up a door for me to explore what DID can actually mean for people that have it. I don't know that I've ever met someone with DID, but I am 100% positive that I'd welcome the chance to know someone personally with DID. Not only do I think you're all so fascinating, but I also think you're beautiful and so incredibly lucky to be who you are. I know that Split doesn't represent any of you.

[@moustachesamari9184]

They meant to focus on the fact that the identities in Kevin felt that nobody believes that DID exists, and their main goal of the movie was to make themselves known to the world. If you actually watch the movie, its a moving and emotional film about two of the alters who are dangerous, who take control but overall want to care for Kevin and show the world that DID is real. It was a beautiful movie, and the identities in Kevin were stunning, and the theme of the movie is that those who have gone through trauma are stronger. As quoted from the movie, "The broken are the more evolved,". I understand why you all are upset but you need to actually WATCH before you JUDGE.

[@sweetnbliss]

either way it portrayed DID people as murderers/monsters so sit down becky

[@moustachesamari9184]

dulce leche not necessarily. There were other DID peoplementioned in the movie that weren't murderers and throughout the movie the therapist was trying to explain to people about why DID people are actually better than regular people and how DID is unlocking parts of the brain we don't understand yet

[@sweetnbliss]

uh you think ignorant people will remember that when the last thing they saw was a man with DID turn into a monster???? also if you don't have DID it's honestly not your place to have an opinion that contradicts hers. if people with DID are saying it's wrong then it's wrong no questions asked. we don't know half of what they go through. and split may have been trying to shed light on the fact that not all DID people are bad but some people watch a movie and don't dig deeper. it's just understanding that people are stupid and will believe everything on tv. you may be able to distinguish fiction and reality but sadly other people can't and it's a huge problem.

[@ajcreates4310]

You are really strong and admirable. Thank you so much for sharing your stories and identities. As someone with out much knowledge or experience with DID, I found your channel last week and you have changed my mind and ideas around this topic. I wanted to sincerely thank you. I wanted to let you know you are helping at least a fraction of this world understand. Thank you all.

[@phionexfire2291]

I’ve gone almost my whole life without anyone knowing I had DID until the end of 2017. When I was diagnosed I was terrified that one of them might be dangerous to others. So I believe it’s our job to get the right information out to the public. I’ve found that more people are willing to accept and be comfortable with psychopathic alters than child alters and that’s really sad.

[@skyquill4329]

I watched the movie last night and it is not stigmatising. I loved it, it was absolutely brilliant and it tried to shed light on some of the issues that you all talk about here, how the medical community and people see it as something that isn't real and how that is an ignorant thought, there is even the theory that DID isn't an illness but a part of evolution. That movie is the reason I am watching your videos right now, that movie is the reason I am trying to educate myself in this "disorder" and it is the reason I became interested in doing so. It doesn't demonise people with DID, it is of course an exaggeration of the state of DID, but it doesn't state that these people are evil.

[@NatschoNotorious]

I absolutely understand your standpoint there. Thank you for educating us more. On another note i really loved McAvoys acting and the actual filming. It was a good movie, not more. It's not a documentary of what people with DID really are, therefore I hope people will do further research on the topic and not demonize you.

[@bseveral7378]

Split made me interested to find out about DID. It's pretty good, i even love the child personality alter in the movie. It didn't made me think ppl with DID is evil...

[@juibelly2318]

im the same. This film woke up my interest for DID

[@georgerobins4110]

E Yugeta The child alter (Hedwig) is honestly the only redeeming quality of Split. I watched a couple of his scenes on KZbin and I actually found myself smiling because he reminded me of one of our littles.

[@ChristAndChristCrucified]

This is absolutely disgusting. I can't hide my DID so this is definitely going to impact me.

[@celestialvallax2860]

Serenity Rayne me and my mind linked brothers agree it's shameful how truly insulting some people show overs a version of what some of our kind are like. most of us are pretty strong considering what we have to deal with. my mind linked brothers and I are strong and kind and so much more

[@Ponzotopia]

My worry is that people are getting their info on DID from these movies. Then don't understand that it's not like the movies. They expect it to be like what they saw...that im going to change personalities in front of them...and often...but it is not like that for me. In fact, certain people in our lives draw out certain personalities, so that's usually the alter that person will see. So there is not a lot of switching going on at those times...unless something has happened to cause a switch. Our switches are few and far between anyway. Its very hard to catch. Especially with someone like me who has DDnos. For instance, when our daughter was born and during that pregnancy, a certain personality was out in front for at least 6 years. After that, I have been the one out and it has been almost 7 years. Of course, there is still switching going on but it's usually a short period of time. Can anyone understand what im trying to say?

[@celestialvallax2860]

Lori Ponzo I my brother ulters and I understand completely. The great thing is that my ulters can speak as a collective rather than separately. There our times where we loose our control but that's a problem we try to avoid

[@celestialvallax2860]

***** do not be afraid as my brothers and I say. Together we are stronger than apart. If you ever need a group of friends who so just happen to live in one body then look for my name andrew robinson

[@celestialvallax2860]

My brothers and I understand what it is to be rejected I mean when we as a collective have tried to come out and tell people of our existence but all they did is reject us

[@breannaspringer8947]

I actually really enjoyed this movie. Compared to a lot of the horror movie junk nowadays, this at least had a little bit of story. However, I don’t and have never really associated it with D.I.D. I’m really sorry to those that do, and those who have been negatively affected by it.

[@madameweirdo8120]

I think that the worst part about Split is the fact that the person who directed it was told not to release the film. But they did it anyway. I don’t have D.I.D. and I don’t know anyone with it, but I think that Split is a bad idea.

[@SubZero-hs9xc]

Split Is good And i think more people feel emphaty

[@MyValentine333]

thanks for opening my eyes and showing me what it's actually like to live with DID! In a perfect world this would go viral... please people share it so everyone else also gets the knowledge that could help a lot of others significantly!!!

[@lavenderhoneycream]

I watched the movie Split before I knew about DID, I didn't even know what DID was, but because I watched the movie, I was curious and looked up DID. In the movie, not all the alters are bad, but only two who perceive, that listening to the "beast" will be beneficial. Those two alters somehow got to control the host, and did those bad things. But the rest of alters and host are against what those two dictator alters thought. That part, made me realize that DID was not a psychopathic. If you actually watch movie instead of the trailer, a lot of things will make sense. I did not think, people with DID were psychopath, in fact I was interested in learning about even more watching the movie! Now that's just my experience and rational thinking, I hope that when people watch Split, they will be become aware of DID as I did! I love your videos btw!

[@ninaschwartz2026]

i just want to say thank you for making this video. And that i am blown away by the strength and bravery that each of u possess. i was abused as a child but instead of developing DID i became a heroin addict for 6 years and its hard for people who never went thru something like that in there past to be able to fathom what thats like and i truly respect and praise each of you to the highest extent for what you face every single day and please remember how amazing and beautiful each of you are no matter how broken you may feel! god bless!

[@northmelody1783]

When I saw an ad for Split, I wanted to see it because I am always interested in things like movies or games that somehow show a mental disorder. Now, after you have shown me what Split can make the public think of when they hear about DID, i really decided not to watch it. You are very brave for telling us about your disorder and showing that most of the things in movies should not be believed!

[@gracehenderson6693]

I created a channel just for this comment

[@frostie21]

Hey Jess! Hope you, Gaz, and the boys are doing well. I just wanted to say I love your videos, and find you an inspiration. I have alot of physical illnesses since birth (had over 100 surgeries and I'm only 26) and also have anxiety. Some people have always told me I should write a book or start a KZbin but I've always felt others would judge me. But seeing the support you've had, even though we have different conditions, has given me hope that maybe I can share my story and shine a light on some rare diseases. Thank you for creating this channel and welcoming all of us who want to get to know you and learn about DID. Hope to see more videos soon!

[@frostie21]

Also I wanted to say I can understand how frustrating it is to have your illness portrayed wrong/badly in the media. As someone with other medical conditions, I really am disheartened to see this trend of romanticize d illnesses. I've also seen a TV show and a movie where a person with my rare disease was villianized. Yes maybe it looks cool on screen, but alot of times this is all the world knows of or sees of that condition or illness. Most people don't go home and do their research, they take things at face value and judge a book by its cover or in this case people by a trope in a movie.

[@Piecesoftheshadow]

I loved this movie, to be honest. I did not at all assume it was full and only depiction of people with DID. If anyone thought that, they're stupid, sry. It was a movie that also had supernatural tendencies, like the ending. It was a fictional film of a character who had DID and just happened to have SOME alters who were violent (which can happen). And then it turned into a supernatural film at the end with a deep message. It shouldn't be taken as the face for DID. I can understand the frustration though that the only depiction DID seems to get is negative and violent :/

[@rozeblack9410]

Right it was basically only 2 bad alter and a naive little alter. So the 20 other alters were actually completely sense normal unthreatening alters that just were helping him live his life.

[@wearescum5556]

I have seen the movie and it actually encouraged me to look more into DID. Whilst watching the film I focused not on the 'beast' or the other three I guess violent alters but not on Barry and the others. Hopefully one day I'll be able to fully understand DID and maybe meet someone with the disorder. Thanks for putting yourself out there because it's allowed me to meet your alters and understand more about you and them. 😊

[@emilyetcetera6233]

I'm very glad you've made this video. I admit when I first saw the ad for this film, I didn't even think about what it would mean for someone who actually experiences DID. After watching your video, I realized how painful it must be to have someone else who doesn't and can't begin to understand your disorder misrepresent it so harshly. I will never be able to understand what it is like to have DID, and I admit that makes me ignorant, but that is why this video is so important. It educated me much more thoroughly on the damage a movie like Split can have on an entire community of people who already suffer for an extreme amount of stigma. I'm glad you have helped me understand better. This, and many of your other videos have been so positively informational. I hope that others see them and are able to understand and be educated as well. And I hope that at the very least, I can tell you that I now know more about what DID is and that I will definitely take this information into consideration when I see the media's misrepresentation of it.

[@moleum]

hey jessica i really loved the movie split. it opened my mind to a new aspect of the brain i wasnt even awear of been possible. it actuly incouraged me to look into DID which showed me how diffcult it must be but at the same time how amazing your mind must be this movie didnt make me scared of people with DID but instead made me wanna learn more about it. i still have so many questions you have one incredible brain :)

[@Kaynaydiaandkumo]

I'm so so sorry to all of you that no one really understands it sucks so much that most mental illnesses have horrible horrible stigma and I'm discusted by it you are all valid and you are all normal people I hope that there is more research put into DID

[@iconoclast4168]

I have DID and schizophrenia and this movie didn't offend me at all. You realize the other part of the boycott is also saying it's transphobic because the character has a feminine personality so basically the other side of the boycott is saying if a woman with did has a masculine personality or a male with DID has a feminine personality that person is transphobic for something they can't control right?. The stigma on DID and various other mental illnesses/ disorders has existed for a long time well before you were alive well before I was alive . This film actually doesn't re-enforce these stigmas. There are people with mental illnesses /disorders who do harm people , just like there are people without mental illnesses/disorders who harm people. As almost anyone who's ever been admitted to a mental hospital/psychiatric ward will tell you one of the things they HATE is not having the freedom to watch what they wanna watch, listen to the kinda music they wanna listen to, and make their own choices . People with DID and other mental illnesses/disorders for the most part are NOT children and are NOT incompetent we don't need groups of strangers who may or may not have the condition we are afflicted with trying to anonymously "big brother/big sister" us while inherently basically calling some people with DID transphobic. It's not transphobic anyone who thinks that there's anything transphobic about this movie is ignorant in general and especially ignorant when it comes to DID,DDNOS and they are just throwing that term in there to have another hashtag. I want to be treated just like everyone else i don't want people to hold my hand and ask if i'm ok because of some movie is made I don't want other people to be judged or attacked for watching or enjoying a movie because I have DID . This movie is not discriminatory towards people with DID or any mental illness or disorder. I hate that terms like discrimination have become increasingly subjective lately , that's bullshit. Wanna know what is discriminatory? Assuming that everyone with a mental illness/disorder all think,act and behave the same simply because they have a certain mental disorder or illness. Which is exactly what the people who are boycotting this movie are doing. I was diagnosed with schizophrenia and DID when i was 16 (2002) and I've dealt with actual acts of discrimination due to being a schizophrenic with DID from people comparing me to serial killers ect when either i told them i'm schizophrenic and have did, being alienated by girlfriends and people i thought were my friends for it ,being actually harassed by people for it ,getting blamed for a shooting and bomb threat because kids at my school who knew or heard i was schizophrenic told teachers and cops they thought it was me because of how i looked and because my disorders and mental illnesses which i then sued the school for. I'm 29 and unmedicated because I some how didn't qualify for obamacare, filed several times for medicaid and never heard back so far ,that's more of a concern to me is getting health insurance, not some movie about a antagonist with DID . I haven't had health insurance since 2005 (that's when welfare kicked me off my mom's health insurance since i was 18 unemployed and not in college even though i was diagnosed with mental illnesses/disorders) . If these people who are boycotting this movie because they pretend to care about people with DID and other mental illnesses and disorders ACTUALLY cared they'd do something that actually mattered, like advocating for the hundreds of thousands of people diagnosed with mental illnesses in America alone, who are unmedicated because they don't have health insurance.

[@Zen-sm4zh]

@Iconoclast first off I am very sorry you had to deal with that stuff from people especially from your own teachers when you were younger that's not fair at all. 2ndly I couldn't agree with you more with your final point in your comment. That's exactly what these people who wanna boycott this movie should actually be doing instead of boycotting something that's only going to be talked about for 3-4 months.

[@MultiplicityAndMe]

This is why I'm advocating against this film - I love some of the films with this ridiculous sort of twist but this is adding to the stereotype that people with DID are dangerous and need to be avoided at all costs - movies like this make the disorder disbelieved which is why it's imperative to remind people who are planning to see it that it's not the reality of this disorder and to be mindful of people who actually have this. I'm not the right advocate for American healthcare because I live in the uk - however there are several other people on this video who *are* doing their utmost to advocate in the ways that they can - but if you have any suggestions for them or ideas to try, then feel free to post and I can certainly pass them on. I do advocacy work in my own way - and you have a right to disagree, but I believed part of doing it is to jump on the bandwagon of hypes and things that may come about and ensure that people keep their common sense about them (hence why Split was my target - Billy Milligan with Leonardo Dicaprio will be my next). But if you have any ideas of what sorts of videos to make you're honestly welcome to give me that feedback and I shall to my best to take your thoughts on board. Getting the correct word out there - in whatever way that can be done - is always important

[@iconoclast4168]

+MultiplicityAndMe so you feel that movies shouldn't say that an antagonist has a mental disorder? So you're willing to participate in a form of discrimination? Because the fact is there are people with mental disorders who DO harm people just like there are people without mental disorders who DO harm people. Doesn't matter what country you live in it doesn't stop green peace it doesn't stop any humanitarian efforts/activists at all . People diagnosed with mental illnesses /disorders going unmedicated due to no healthcare effects people in every country. The people putting forth the effort to rally against this movie would be better served and seem more genuine in their concern if they took a stand for something actually meaningful and important, like as i stated those who are diagnosed w/ a mental disorder or illness going unmedicated. Taking a stand against a movie about a fictional character is an exceedingly hollow gesture considering in 3 months no one is gonna care about the movie as everyone who wanted to see it would have already seen it. By protesting this movie you're also endorsing the false narrative that's being projected onto it that it's transphobic simply because the character has a feminine personality as one of his personas . Literally anyone who calls this movie transphobic is calling people with did/ddnos transphobic by definition. Plus you're just making more people want to see it by trying to demonize it so much. You're also aiding in discriminating against people like me who have mental disorders/illnesses who aren't professionally offended by works of fiction on the big screen, it minimizes real actual pressing issues for us .

[@MultiplicityAndMe]

I'm not calling anyone/anything transphobic and I'm not actually offended by the film? I love Identity and Shutter Island - great films. But there's no need to mention DID as a name (where as the others I've mentioned don't say names - leaving the 'mental illness' suffered, open to interpretation) because some uneducated people could think wow that's a real condition and that's what it must be like. That's what I'm trying to say. And even if you were the rarest of cases whereby you had Alters that harmed people, what're the odds of you murdering and eating someone?? That stigma with this disorder being violent is what needs challenging and that's what I'm doing - and I personally don't care if this is going to be forgotten about tomorrow, the point is, for those few months I tried to make an impact and I'm content with that

[@iconoclast4168]

+MultiplicityAndMe It's no big secret that Hollywood has contributed largely to the stigma surrounding mental illnesses but that boat has came and gone a long time ago. Saying a movie in 2017 is gonna increase the stigma around a mental disorder is like saying Trump brought racism back when racism and social stigma never went anywhere It's a fundamentally flawed statement. But Hollywood isn't the only one to blame society it's self has been placing stigmas on various mental health issues/problems for centuries . The scientific and medical community is guilty of this as well in the past. It used to be believed that if you didn't like milk or didn't want to drink milk that was a mental illness lol. People self diagnosing themselves with mental illness/disorders more recently and more commonly contribute to the stigma more than hollywood does in various aspects and dimensions. But by getting people on this bandwagon of being against a movie because you don't agree with the representation is fundamentally flawed . Simply put no matter what mental illness or disorder is being addressed it effects each individual differently. So by what these people are doing they are trying to control what other people who don't understand a disorder see or hear therefore effectively limiting any questions they could have about it and removing a large aspect of understanding from it. It doesn't matter if you have 50 people with DID and 30 people with DDNOS sit there and do vlogs about how their disorder effects &doesn't effect them it's not going to be the exact same for 40 other people with it. Plus every few years new data is discovered about tons of different mental illnesses and disorders. DID used to be called MPD . MPD was the term for about 14-15 years then it changed to DID as well as a slightly altered definition and symptoms were added. No one is saying DID inherently = violence ect . Morality plays a huge role in it and morals /lack of morals are not determined or changed by the onset of a mental illness or disorder. Another problem adding to the stigma of mental disorders and illnesses is the fact that lawyers/attorneys will try to get a client to plead insanity even if that person might not have a lack of mental health or ability just a lack of specific morals.

[@cassinipanini]

I just found your channel, and its amazing. I have had an interest in DID since I was a kid, although I do not have DID I have depression. As soon as I saw the trailer, I was so upset. I know that people often see mentally ill people as violent and dangerous, and it couldn't be farther from the truth. There's so much stigma involved. Thank you so much for putting this video together. You and everyone who participated in the video are so awesome and deserve so much love and care. From one person trying to live with their condition to another, I support you

[@chelseekathleen3803]

I actually just saw the movie Split a couple days ago without having any prior knowledge of DID. Although the plot was misleading and exaggerated, I actually did learn a little bit about the disorder. Maybe I learned from it because I understood it was just a Hollywood plot. However, it did teach me that the disorder comes from child abuse and every alter is different in their own way. I know this movie may have caused a lot of pain, but it actually opened my eyes to the disorder and led me here! Maybe it was a blessing in disguise.

[@Astridz]

I think that the film had indeed been judged too early. I had the same experience with the film as you did: It opened my eyes to the disorder. The main character in this film had wrong intentions, but that doesn't mean everyone with this disorder has the same. There are so far 0 known people with this disorder that have harmed people, where as there have been so many people without the disorder that have. This movie definitely brought attention to the disorder, being known by more and more people everyday. Maybe some people think badly of it, but I assure you, it has caused a good kind of interest in many people as well. And with time, the truth will come forward to the people who think badly of it as well (it always does). Just give it some time.

[@wnterbird2976]

I personally love the movie split. Let me explain. I have a mental illness. And to me to movie was a commentary on how “normal” people see people with mental illness. That people see those who are ill or with a condition as monstrous. Yet, there are abusers and rapists out there that are accepted as “normal” people. I personally feel the movie is meant to make people question who are the so called “monsters” in society and have people rethink their answer. I think the movie also opens up topics on who are the “magical”, beautiful people in the world. The strong people. I feel like it suggests that perhaps the “misfits” are really just broken people. And broken people are really the most beautifully strong and powerful part of society. This made me feel more empowered as someone with a mental illness. As someone who struggles with long periods of numbness I tend to feel like I’m a monster. This movie made me feel otherwise. Even those with DID. Their consciousness split (sorry) as a protective measure. That’s powerful and beautiful to see how the mind protects itself. How people have come out of traumatic experiences. I know it’s still an illness technically. But I admire the fight and strength of those with DID. And I feel that the movie was suppose to represent that strength. That being said. I didn’t quite understand the hate towards the movie. But then. I realized. Most people don’t know what people with DID look like. I do. I know that the movie is fiction and “the monster” is just symbolic. Yet, there are people out there who don’t understand that. They don’t know this is fiction. That the goal of the story imo is not to say people with mental illness are vicious. I think it’s sad people aren’t educated enough to know that and recognize that. I wish more people did recognize that and perhaps saw the beautiful message I saw in the movie. :/ I hope I worded this right. I don’t mean to offend anyone or start a fight. I just wanted to comment on how I saw the movie and how I don’t think it was meant to be a stigmatizing movie of people with DID, yet, it is preceived that way. I can now understand why people would be hurt by this movie. I feel if everyone understood that it is fiction. (Maybe with a disclaimer) And perhaps saw a message I saw. I think the movie would be an insightful piece of cinematography. Just a new perspective. Thanks for listening. Again, I hope I don’t offend anyone with this.

[@jessicat_]

Split is my favourite movie, and made me want to know more about DID- which is how I found your channel. Whilst I completely understand where such concerns would come from- I feel it is important to emphasise that the vast majority of people understand what is real and what is simply Hollywood. I don't want to sweep away anything you have said; but with Splits increasing success, wouldn't you be receiving more attention and an wider audience from people like myself whom aren't exactly experts on the subjects but are curious after watching the movie to see which parts are dramatised and which are real? You're an incredibly strong woman, and all of your altars are equally as amazing; thank you for educating people on DID- and try push through all of the hate.

[@Nikki-bo8to]

i get what you're saying but the simple solution to that would be they could have made a movie with a DID lead character that isn't violent..

[@jessicat_]

Maybe so, but the director isn't known for realistic plots, they're known for their Sci-Fi and weird endings. Hopefully there will be some better representation when the movie occurs however this was never supposed to be a movie that educated people.

[@LittleBearBrynn]

also if the lead character wasn't violent wouldn't it not be a horror movie? not saying you aren't wrong cause i agree but jus sayin

[@ssharkbait]

i agree. and actually i didnt leave having a negative view of people with DID at all, and the people I watched it with left actually sympathizing with most of the alters within Kevin. The message I got from the movie was people who experience child hood trauma are some of the strongest people out there. Them living through such horrendous things and coming out the other side is commendable. and actually the therapist character gives a lot of insight into DID. at first i thought it might be Hollywood dramatization but after research I see theres a lot of truth there. but i dont have DID or know anyone with DID so I have no right to tell them how they should feel about the movie or tell them they are wrong. i saw the movie and enjoyed it but can absolutely see their side of it and how it could be damaging to how theyre perceived.

[@jessicat_]

That's exactly how I feel. And apart from the whole body being able to change form aspect (the sci-fi added for the movie)- I feel like for the most part it was informative. Kevin was actually my favourite character because of his alters. (Hedwig and Patricia were my personal favourites).

[@AmbyJeans]

I feel bad, I just recently saw Split and I liked it. I had the opposite reaction to it though, I really sympathized with James McAvoy's characters (except for the beast, Patricia and Hedwig. I didn't like them). I'm a big horror buff and I heard Shyamalan finally made a decent movie again. But I can see where it can be detrimental. Sorry you guys get so misrepresented in Hollywood. Just so you know, we don't all believe those stereotypes 💗

[@velocijaster2102]

I. Love. Horror. Films. However, horror films that rely on generalized mental illnesses or intentionally misrepresenting specified mental illnesses are without a doubt basic and boring. If a horror writer has to rely on a stigma like this, they're a bad horror writer and I will tell them that to their face.

[@AmbyJeans]

Well it is from the same guy that gave us The Village and The Happening 😕 he's had more missed than hits.

[@arete7884]

Highly critically acclaimed ,created many masterpieces i dont think he would care if someone got their feelings hwt

[@curry6330]

@@arete7884 Doesn't stop the fact that using mental illnesses as a fear factor is lazy

[@douglasvincent5925]

As someone with DID myself/ourselves, I want to thank you for making this video, and all the other videos your system is making to educate people about DID. When we first saw the trailer for this film, several months before it came out, we got angry...and then we decided to change that anger into hope by starting our own efforts to educate people about DID. We have talked to some other systems online who have had a similar reaction. So I guess that's a little bit of a silver lining to the black cloud that is this movie, but still, it would be far better if Hollywood would make a more realistic portrayal of DID. And maybe someday, if enough of us speak out, that will eventually happen. The TV show "The United States of Tara" was somewhat better, although it did still have some glaring inaccuracies, and did get into some violence in the last season. Your videos are by far the most positive, uplifting videos of DID that we have seen! Keep up the good work!!! - Doug Vincent & Co.

[@shannonhallett2852]

What people need to get in their heads, is that split doesn't represent people with DID. It's not real (movie) and people with this disorder should obviously be treated with respect. Don't let the movie effect the way you act around people because you think people may hate you for it. If they do then thats their problem. I respect you and if you respect yourself then fuck the movie. Your strong people keep your chins up .

[@bigj9961]

well said cheers!

[@danielvine6810]

Am I the only one with DID who found the movie was good? The movie itself states that Kevin’s case is more severe than anyone else. That is literally the worst possible outcome like many normal people in movies doing horrible things. When I explain to someone by condition, I tell them to think of the movie split, and dial that down to 20 percent because that’s just am movie..

[@ilhaam8600]

Daniel Vine but for such a rarely depicted disorder, dont u think its kinda dangerous to have that extreme of a portrayal?

[@saurabhbanik7811]

But the problem is almost all people who will watch this movie will take the movie as fact without doing any actual research. Most people nowadays think whatever shown in movies is true.

[@quietdemon8138]

Ilhaam when you discover the fictional universe Kevin inhabits you understand it makes sense

[@ChronicEVL]

Thank you!

[@sarahjane3963]

I had never heard of DID before the spilt movie and I feel everyone who has DID is being grossly misunderstood and represented. I am a just a girl, I dont have DID but I can see how difficult it is. I will never truly know how difficult it really is. I agree with you. You are survivors of terrible acts and should be treated with respect and kindness. I wish that spilt did not show DID off like it is some kind of horrible thing. You are an inspriation to me. Please do not listen to the negative things others will say. You are amazing and kind. You are a survivor. You are not a monster.

[@skyquill4329]

Did you pay attention to the movie though? Because that's not what it portrays...

[@sarahjane3963]

Sky Quill I feel differently

[@skyquill4329]

Sarah Jane You weren't paying attention then.You probably became biased because of the comments the trailer got.

[@skyquill4329]

Well, so much for all your love for differentness lol

[@lucii9799]

Hey guys I want to make clear and ik i'm quite late but split is a movie about a guy that claims to be superhuman and harness numerous souls inside him and was told he was crazy and diagnosed with DID What is being shown in split is real It's was a misdiagnosis and that'll be elaborated on in the upcoming movie "glass"

[@BitterJoyXx]

Yes finally, someone who watched all 3 of the movies.

[@ionlyspeaksarcasm4481]

I actually just watched split last night at the cinema and it didn't produce any negative thoughts about DID in my mind. If anything it just made me question the capabilities of the mind and made me realize how extraordinary it can be. I don't know if any of you guys have seen it but it doesn't really portray the host as an unstable psychopath or whatever, it mainly touches upon our perception of the strength of the human mind and it kind of forces us to question what a "disorder" really is. In my opinion, the movie is more so about the developmental process of the identities or alters and just how powerful they can be. I, as a person who doesn't have DID and has never encountered a person with DID, has taken those points and those point only from that movie. "Split" only cemented my dreams of becoming a clinical psychologist.

[@Jifgirl]

The movie was based off of a real man with 24 personalities who did kidnap 2 women. I don't think people with DID will get backlash for it. It's an interesting thriller but you're amazing and I'm one person that's would never judge off of one movie

[@tatianarosa7845]

Jaime Frederick you are right though. It’s just one of those things that negatively effect people as a grouping. It’s a shitty stereotype. It’s most likely an extremely rare instance to come across a DID person like Split... and Hollywood took advantage and tweaked it a bit.

[@DivinelyKaren]

I understand where you guys are coming from but if you watch the movie it actually just shows one man and his alters and ultimately there were only a couple alters that were bad. I personally didn't take away that people with DID were or are dangerous

[@declaracy9642]

You guys are all amazing!i really enjoy watching the channel and i love the peace between all of you :D I hope the best for you guys!

[@Howjuderolls]

[@DarkKarpfii]

I really like storys and movies like split, but I never thought that it showed in any way or form how people who really got DID are. People need to figure out that these are only fictional.

[@hekilledthecat2151]

Surprisingly I'm sad that this movie was the only thing to turn my attention to the research of DID, I don't have DID but I've been researching it because I'm going into psychology and hope to tell people more about it to STOP it from being portrayed this way. The way I see it is Jess is one person and Jake is one person and so on! I want to make it noticed and accepted. ( you all are different and I wish you all are great )

[@Zzzannie]

im a lil confused maybe its because im not an american but i loved the movie split it was so great because on the other hand I learnt so much of DID and actually that movie led me to be on this video to look into it, for any normal bright person you can tell they did their homework with this movie but also made an entertaining movie. I speak for myself but i cant see how others see it different but when i saw the movie i can tell the part of the story about the beast (the storyline/entertaining part) and also the depht and different aspects of having DID. it thought me so much and it actually made me think much more about DID, i find it fascinating. Just because people watch this movie doesnt mean we think every DID person is like that... same way if we watch movies with crime gang violence and rape in them think thats reality... Overal its a really good movie

[@Senfree]

It might be true for you, and maybe even some others. But it already HAS effected those with DID. Some people will into the truth of DID, but some believe anything they see or hear. Many people have lost jobs because they've shared they have DID, lost friends, family members, and even partners. It hasn't effected you, but it has nothing to do with being American, DID can be found in any race, any Country, and any gender. I don't know if you are going to understand the pain this movie causes for those with DID, even after watching the video, I don't think anyone can make you understand. People with DID were suffering others misunderstandings of this disorder before Split. The movie has only made how people view DID worse. I'm not sure what you think you actually learned from the movie, but one where it paints those with DID as evil, or murderous is completely incorrect.

[@Zzzannie]

​@@Senfree sorry im not gonna respond to this.

[@Senfree]

@@Zzzannie That's fine. I'm not forcing you to respond, or expecting you to. If I'm unable to change your opinion about the fact that the movie has legitimately increased suffering for this community, then I still might be able to reach someone else who reads my response to you. The more people who know that people have been hurt because of this, the better.

[@happylittlehippo8732]

@@Senfree it is just a movie. People who takes "education" from fiction movies are stupid. But people are not suffering because of the movies. People suffer because of other people not being educated. And that needs to be done in schools etc. Not in FICTION movies. We have documents and education movies for that. It is not fiction movie responsibility to educate and to stay true. That is why it is a FICTION. In this case even horror fiction. I get why people with DID find it hard to swallow and are affraid but basically wanting censorship and wanting alter movies so they fit the way i see correct, are not the best response to fear. Education is. Educate people. Or do we say that all people in wheelchair are evil because of Mr.Glass? Or all people with bordeline disorder are murderers because of Darhmer?

[@Senfree]

@@happylittlehippo8732 I get what you are saying. I do. But regardless, the movie still increases stigma because people ARE uneducated, and plenty aren't looking to be educated, they will only go off what they learn in movies. And I'm not saying literally everyone, but there are enough of those who do to be damaging. And it's not just those with DID who get this attitude. People with ADHD, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety. Etc. I wish I could say that everyone in the world didn't grasp movies as portrayers of things, but enough do that it's bad. That in itself wouldn't be so bad except the creator of the movie was contacted by the community and he SAID he would work with them, and then he never spoke to them again. He's even said he wanted to make the movie close enough to how it actually is and isn't and blur the lines. Because it's more immersive. He did the opposite of what he said he would do and even did what he could to make it confusing for those "uneducated". Sad truth is, we live in a world where a lot of people take things at face value. And DID already had plenty of movies before that helped to further stigmatize it, never mind one that was intended to blur the lines. But people legitimately ask those with DID now "one of your alters isn't going to kill me, right?" Or "which one is the evil one?" Or even "do you have a beast?" Or, as an alternative "DID doesn't exist." Lack of education or not, This movie has, as the laws of cause and effect, increased the negative view on those with DID, made it harder for those with DID to want to seek help for how they may be received, as well as increase cruelty towards those with DID. A woman with DID was a child caretaker, and people have said she is not safe and unfit to take care of them, because one of her alters could be dangerous. Just because it shouldn't effect the community because it's fiction, does not mean that it doesn't. And if these things don't convince you, nothing will. And to me, that's sad. There are plenty, and I mean plenty of uneducated people who won't look into the truth of things. And while that isn't the movie's fault, the movie still doesn't help the situation any.

[@hallojkompis]

Thank you Jess and everybody who contributed to this video! Its so important to shed light on the reality of DID/dissociative disorders. I hope that one day i wont be afraid of the reactions and misconceptions i meet when i say i have DID, and i think this video made that come one step closer to reality. Thank you!

[@loudelsalat]

hey! :) I just saw SPLIT and because of the movie, I wanted to find out more about DID and everything that comes with it. As someone who has seen the movie without any kind of pre-knowledge on DID, I can say that it made me curious and NOT scared. Everyone of us knows how Hollywood works - it's there to entertain, not to inform, and based on that I'm sure that people are able to dissociate between fiction and non-fiction. But of course I understand why you feel that way. Hope you read this :) (sorry for my English!)

[@linkyboy8536]

People with DID are not there for peoples entertainment.

[@madelinep5291]

katti moon for each person who realizes that that representation isn't correct, there's an equal, if not greater amount of people who think it's the truth. I'm sorry, but that's the reality. Movies like this hurt.

[@systemk9488]

Thank you for making a video about this! I have DID and I feel the same way but my whole family wants to see the movie anyway, regardless of how I feel about it.

[@BrookeBaubles]

Unpopular opinion: I actually quite liked the movie Split; however, I have the ability to enjoy media with a separation from reality. I do understand, thought, that a lot of people are stupid and can't separate fact from fiction, so I understand and support your concerns.

[@harini3257]

technically, the movie was good. but I can't get behind a movie that buys into the exploitation of people with DID and portray them as "horrific".

[@callmemrspain]

The first time I saw a trailer for this movie, I just thought "Oh God, seriously?" PERFECT TIMING given that I was recently diagnosed with DDNOS and also recently met a few alters I didn't realize were there until I started my trauma therapy. My husband was scared, unsure, and also asked if I could be trusted with our one year old son alone. it's heartbreaking to think of him not trusting me and my system (who all adore my son.) Stigmatization of this condition is so damaging and I'm only recently experiencing the consequences first hand. It's exhausting to think of the long haul fight this new diagnosis holds for me. Here's to hoping things change.

[@TraumadissociationCom]

There's a FAQ on www.isst-d.org that might be helpful for anyone in a similar condition. People just don't always realize that it's not one movie protaying such stigma - it's almost every movie about DID (unless they are based on real people).

[@theclownsystem9429]

I really hate that film. My neighbor actually thought my alters could all be dangerous because of it. I think I have managed to educate her better, but it is so frustrating. I've had people literally RUN away from me after a switch. That movie doesn't help in the slightest.

[@SubZero-hs9xc]

Is movie If people can't separete that from reality Is not fault of the movie

[@theclownsystem9429]

@@SubZero-hs9xc Yes it is. They were warned before it came out that people would take it as truth and they didn't care. Movies and false information are the reasons people think these things about DID. It's not a widely discussed topic. A lot of people don't know what it is then they see these things and take them as fact. It's not just that movie that has done that.

[@SubZero-hs9xc]

@@theclownsystem9429 beyond the fact that you liked yourself, what were they supposed to do? delete the movie? if people are stupid forgive me, but the fault is not of people expressing their creativity

[@theclownsystem9429]

@@SubZero-hs9xc I didn't like myself. And your comment makes no sense. I don't argue with people who refuse to see reason so good day. I won't be responding to you anymore.

[@SubZero-hs9xc]

@@theclownsystem9429 I'm trying to talk

[@AwesomePebblez]

Hey Jess & co. Thank you for making this video. I have been recognised as having DID(6 known alters) and this film Split has seriously impacted me wanting to be open about it. Thank you for giving our side. And I'm sorry I missed the deadline for the vids! - Kat, Jaxx & co

[@peachstardrop]

Thank you.

[@MultiplicityAndMe]

It was a great read! Thank you so much to you and whoever posted it to us!

[@Howjuderolls]

WhimsicalDuck great job guys!

[@Ari_C]

I wish society didn't take fictional stories so seriously that they let it dictate how they view real life examples of the people shown in the stories. I feel great amounts of empathy for those with DID and how movies such as Split make them feel and wish that mental and physical disorders or ailments weren't traits only attributed to villains in stories. If only people could keep fiction and reality separate. I enjoyed the film Split purely as a fictional story dramatising a real disorder. I never considered any aspect of it as fact and wish others would do the same so this didn't even have to be an issue. More of those slice of life types of film's that portray people suffering from ailments of any kind as normal are sorely needed.

[@sonofthemoon659]

I personally don’t have DID but my bf and my bfs alter who are also my bf do. I’m so proud of him for telling me. He didn’t even understand it was a thing others had the same problems but was very happy and relieved when I told him the name. He understood he had alters and wasn’t just one person and I love all of them.

[@nicole_galica715]

MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS MORE AWARENESS!! I wish people would learn about all the conditions before judging and saying that we fake these things. Unless you go through it you dont know. Instead of judging and shunning, support and help make mental heath a priority, help those with conditions. Make them feel welcome!

[@HorseyGirlRides]

I'M SO MAD AT THIS FILM BECAUSE JAMES MCAVOY IS NORMALLY GOOD AT THIS AND IT SEEMS LIKE HE DID SOME RESEARCH AND HE TRIED TO DO GOOD BUT LIKE THIS WHOLE FILM JUST AGH

[@bobbyomens]

So glad to see you all back - I've always loved your videos and have missed you! x

[@ElectronerpProductions]

I'm a system. Fuck split. Remember after Jaws came out, everyone was scared of sharks? I don't want to be stigmatized.

[@otakuofmine]

That is a pretty good comparison! I hate how sharks are still hated, although more people die of coconuts than these... Don't want that for you too (a good friend of mine is a system too).

[@ElectronerpProductions]

OtakuOfMe Thanks for understanding!

[@otakuofmine]

Always glad to help.

[@teavu6093]

After that comparison, I finally understood why people would be worked up by this. Thanks!

[@rorschach1308]

I have DID and this movie didn't bother me at all. One of the very few M. Night Shymalan movies I actually liked.

[@NurzaBoo]

I know I don't speak for everyone, but I believe that although not the best light, any light on medical conditions is helpful. I have little to no knowledge about mental health problems, and one "gateway" to expanding it is through media. If it hadn't been for the movie split - which is just a movie and should be considered as such, not a documentary - brought the disorder to my attention and I have been watching first person accounts on what it is actually like to have DID. I am able to compare and contrast with the movie, undertand where reality ends and hollywood begins. Boycotting a movie will not be beneficial to anyone, as instead of suggesting to open conversations, its trying to close them down.

[@plumerouge3772]

I am the Host of a system of 7 alters. (and also, I'm french, sorry if my english is bad ...) I specify this to avoid comments of the type "you are not concerned so you can not understand". M. Shyamalan's films have always been my favorites. Noticeably Unbreakable, whose message helped me a lot to endure the trials of life without "pass to the dark side". I also like horror movies a lot. So when my mother tell me that Split was at the cinema, I went to see it. When I went at the cinema, I did not even think at the DID. I watched it as a fiction, nothing more. Because it's a fiction, not a documentary. When the film started, I was in control with one of the persecutors of our system. The kind of persecutor who hurt peoples for no reason, who mutilates himself to make the other members of the system suffer, and who excels in the art of manipulation and harassment. The only thing I thought at that moment was "please, stay calm, it's the first time I've been out for months, do not ruin my day." This persecutor, Shax, did not say a word during the whole movie. He did not try to get me into trouble. In fact he was perfectly calm and civilized. I found the film cool. Not extraordinary but cool. I did not really care whether or not it gave a bad image of the did in the media. Also, the persecutor who had watched the film with me has appreciated it a lot. In the days that followed, for the first time, we were able to chat quietly about cinema. It may sound ordinary, but this persecutor has never spoken to us for anything other than threatening other members of the system. A few months later we went to see "Glass" (which is an excellent film, and the critics like "the end is not spectacular, it sucks" did not understand the story). When we went out, Shax started making jokes with references to the movie. For example, one day he said, "You see, I'm a bit like Elijah, I'm smarter than you and I could use our little beast (that's the nickname he gives to an aggressive animal-alter of our system) to conquer the world.The only problem is that it does not understand a word of what I say "(this animal alter is quite primitive and can not speak). Or the time he was accused (wrongly) of stealing the personal books of another alter and said "that was not me. That was Patricia". Joke that defused the situation before it goes into drama-shit. This common interest in cinema has motivated Shax to take the first step with us. Even if he always do "bad things", he work on it and now we can speak and work together. He have learn a moral from Split and Glass like I have learn a moral from Unbreakable. That was for the part "these films are harmful / triggering / bad for all the systems, etc ...". Now we will discuss about the poor image of DID in the media. I will repeat again what is obvious: it is a FICTION. Like all fiction, it's an extreme and fantastic version of real life. When you watch a romantic movie, everything is not going well. The hero is confronted with bad situations, love triangles, family secrets, and sometimes the hero is a vampire or a fairy. BUT not everyone shouts scandal saying "it's a cliché, in fact the majority of romantic relationships are going very well and in real life people who are in love are not vampires or fairies!" Split and Glass is the same. It's a FICTIVE story in a world where superheroes exist and have powers, like being invincible or being able to turn into a powerful animal, and where these same heroes have completely unrealistic weaknesses like being vulnerable to flashing lights or water ( our body is 70% water, this is not logical). Normal people who see these movies think "cool, a superhero movie, one of the characters has DID, and one of his alters has the SURNATURAL power to turn into a monster." Stupid peoples will say, "Hey, an ULTRA REALISTIC documentary about people with DID, Wow, I'm scared, my neighbor who has the DID will eat me." It's up to you to see if you take people for idiots. And yes, there are always people who will have clichés. But it's like with other mental illnesses. Movies on schizophrenics or psychopaths show them as crazy killers, and yet it does not shock anyone. There are idiots in this world, yes. If they ask you questions, just educate them. If they persist in clichés, just do not stay with them. It is not by censoring movies / books / video games that mentalities are changed. It's by talking to people, as does MultiplicityAndMe and all the other channels that talk about DID. We all have a superpower, it's called communication. It's up to you to see if you prefer to use it to annihilate your enemies because they have hurt you and your feelings, or to move forward and build good and better things with as many people as possible.

[@gabriellepark240]

Plume Rouge I think what the people in the video are saying is that with a lack of accurate representation in media, too many people are uneducated and are affected by this in some way. Most people just are calling for a PSA or an acknowledgement in the movie talking about its unrealistic points. Thank you for sharing your story.