About•the•Author

Tanya Dawn Gillespie

Black and white photo of Tanya wearing a hat and eating an ice cream cone.

I am Tanya. I am a multi-instrumentalist (surprise!), composer, teacher, and songwriter. I am also a huge sports fan and lover of bacon. I have a 1-year-old dog named Selah who takes me for walks every day, a wonderful partner and family.

I was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder at 15 years of age. This has posed its unique set of challenges throughout my life, but contrary to what one might expect I have gotten through many challenges because of this, not despite it. Now, I'm sharing my journey through writing, hoping to inspire you to find strength in your own story.

I am sure there will be questions which I will do my best to answer. Giving voice to myself and others to know that living life with a mental health diagnosis that is not commonly understood is a strength. To see that human beings are expansive and so magnificent in the way we have been designed to heal ourselves. Especially with experiences that are beyond words. Growing in understanding in the places available to us is a real gift and the baseline for loving well.

Multiple perspectives aren’t a bad thing, if everyone learns how to listen and work together. You’re hilarious Tanya. Like it’s that easy. So, we begin.

What can family members and friends do to support someone with a dissociative disorder?

Family members and friends can provide emotional support, encourage treatment adherence, and educate themselves about dissociative disorders to better understand their loved one’s experiences.
What causes dissociative disorders?

Dissociative disorders often result from traumatic experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or accidents, particularly during childhood.
Can dissociative disorders be cured?

While there is no “cure” for dissociative disorders, treatment can help individuals manage symptoms, improve functioning, and achieve greater integration of identity states. Recovery is possible with appropriate support and therapy.
Is dissociative identity disorder (DID) the same as multiple personality disorder?

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) was previously known as multiple personality disorder, but the terminology has evolved to reflect a better understanding of the condition. DID involves the presence of two or more distinct identity states that alternate control of the individual’s behaviour.
How are dissociative disorders diagnosed?

Diagnosis of dissociative disorders typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional, including a detailed history, assessment of symptoms, and ruling out other possible explanations.
What are some common types of dissociative disorders?

Common types of dissociative disorders include dissociative amnesia, dissociative identity disorder (DID), and depersonalization/derealization disorder.
How do dissociative disorders affect people’s lives?

Dissociative disorders can lead to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. They may interfere with memory, emotions, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Where can I find more information and support for dissociative disorders?

Additional information and support for dissociative disorders can be obtained from mental health professionals, support groups, and reputable online resources such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD).
What are dissociative disorders?

Dissociative disorders are mental health conditions characterized by disruptions or discontinuities in a person’s normal sense of identity, consciousness, memory, or perception of reality.
What are the treatment options for dissociative disorders?

Treatment may involve a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and support from mental health professionals. Therapy approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) may be beneficial.

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