Hey, are you against endogenic systems? If so, why?
I wouldn’t use the term against, but I definitely have some cautions and disagreements with parts of the concept, term, and ideology!
(P.S. “You” in this post isn’t focused on you specifically, but rather on the general “you” of people identifying as endogenic systems!)
Firstly, I want to acknowledge that there is room for non-traumagenic systems in professional DID/DDNOS diagnoses. Almost all systems are reported as having trauma, but it’s not a 100% of the time thing. It’s speculated that the remaining percent have trauma and don’t remember it, but that’s not my place to say.
There’s a lack of research, but current science states that DID is caused from early childhood trauma, when one’s identity is not yet fully formed and fragments due to dissociation from painful environmental factors, compartmentalizing, and then the formation of multiple identities. Whether or not the brain alone, without environmental factors, can do this isn’t my say. There’s nothing that says it can’t happen, there’s no evidence that it has happened.
The issues I have with idea of endogenic systems is how the concept can (unintentionally) further stigmatize DID and DDNOS. There is a huge fight for people with traumagenic illnesses to be recognized, so when people who don’t have trauma are creating new terms about a topic that already has a lot of discourse, it can create confusion, misunderstanding, and more stigma.
For instance, this sort of discourse can make the focus of conversations about DID/DDNOS romanticized–like it’s a cool thing to live with alters and navigate this world as a system. Alters are a significant part of DID diagnoses (and can be in DDNOS), but they aren’t the only symptom nor the most problematic in many cases. Focusing conversations on this multiplicity and using similar terms that people with DID/DDNOS use can alienate those of us living with these disorders.
I have no problem with people experiencing other identities–be it endogenic, a spiritual thing, or what not! It’s just that the people who don’t face the same stigma and oppression that people with DID/DDNOS do need to make sure not to tread on terms and territory that isn’t appropriate for them to. Essentially, equating a phenomenon (experiencing more than one identity with no discerned cause) with a disorder is inappropriate.
I believe, through some creative thinking, there are better terms that could be used to describe people who experience multiple identities (or other parts in their consciousness). Just like how people who experience more than one identity like kintypes and such use different terms (or at least, are supposed to!). For instance, I personally feel that the terms “systems,” “headmates,” “alters” should be for people with DID/DDNOS only. Conflating these terms with something that isn’t a disorder disempowers people who use these terms to describe their disorder.
(Please note that system and alters are not new terms created on tumblr, they are terms originally use for people with DID/DDNOS)
Essentially, don’t use system terminology (including the term “system”) if you don’t have DID/DDNOW/OSDD-1. Also, a lot of endogenic groups (gonna use that term since it’s not a DID/DDNOS specific term) take up survivor spaces for people with DID. This can sometimes happen unintentionally, but it’s important to remember that unless you have a DID/DDNOS Dx (Self-dx is fine!), then it’s inappropriate to take up space not meant for you.
This survey of 128 people (as in, bodies) shows how people with DID/DDNOS find it inappropriate for endogenic groups to use DID/DDNOS terminology, where those using it (endogenic) believe it’s not wrong. Clearly, it’s important to listen to the oppressed and stigmatized group and not appropriate their terms.
The other problem I have with this concept is that I believe it sometimes causes people who do have DID/DDNOS to overlook the need for treatment. I’m all for normalizing this sort of multiplicity, but over-normalizing it. If someone is experiencing DID symptoms, they may have a system that is formed from trauma and just not remember it. A lot of systems I’ve spoken with have at least one alter than has or had no recollection of the trauma. Sometimes the idea of “oh, if you’re don’t remember trauma then you’re endogenic, and that’s okay!” can prevent survivors of childhood trauma from getting the help they need.
In summary: The existence of people who do not remember trauma and describe system-like experiences is totally valid. Your subjective experience is always valid. It’s just important for people without DID/DDNOS to not use terminology specifically for these groups, enter their safe spaces, and they need to be mindful of further perpetuating stigma.
(Too long to edit for typos, but hopefully there aren’t too many haha)
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