#actuallymidcontinuum

[endogenichaven]

is it possible to have a median system with a fictive/introject as the alter?

i feel like i might be a median system, with what i thought was a kintype as an alter instead,,

Yes, completely possible! Fictives are fairly common, and they can appear in median systems as well as multiple systems. Mistaking an alter for a kintype is also not unheard of, the two can be confused with one another. Hope this helps!

[endogenichaven]

Distinguishing Factors Between Median Systems and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

There is a difference between median systems and those with Borderline Personality Disorder. They’re not the same, and median is not a fancy word for those who have Borderline Personality Disorder, as we’ve seen people insist in the past.

Borderline Personality Disorder is a disorder that results in an unstable sense of self characterized by mood swings, unstable relationships and difficulty managing impulsive behaviors. This disorder causes problems with functioning, or personal distress. Borderline personality disorder is thought to be trauma-based, but some theories do hypothesize a genetic component. 

Those with BPD often find themselves cycling between different moods and emotions in relation to the environment and reacting to the fear of rejection or other negative moods. 

Symptoms of BPD include:

Fear of abandonment, often accompanied by extreme behavior that is intended to prevent abandonment or rejection

Suicidal threats or threats to injure oneself

Mood swings, usually encompassing one mood and lasting for a while

Intense anger, often to the point of losing one’s temperament

Viewing things in extremes

Dysphoria (not the same as identity dysphoria!) that is co-morbid with depression 

Emptiness or lack of identity

See these links for more information.

Above all, Borderline Personality Disorder is a disorder. This means that while it may be possible to enjoy certain aspects of the disorder or appreciate little moments, it largely has a negative impact on a person’s life and relationships. 

Medians or Midcontinuum systems are (usually but not always) non-traumagenic systems who see themselves as being more separate than a singlet (to the point of having multiple minds) but as less distinct than multiple systems. Median systems are a form of functioning and a system structure (like multiple systems) but are usually not based in trauma.

Median systems signs include:

Median systems often have rounded system members who all see themselves as facets of one person, or as intertwined members of the same system

Median systems may or may not have various identity dysphorias (such as gender dysphoria) but lack the dysphoria that is central to BPD

Median systems often experience more emotions when switching than “anxiety”, “anger”, or “mania”, if experiencing negative emotions at all

Median fronting may still involve another system member present and responding to another in the background

Medians may actually experience denial of their medianhood, and hide their plurality instead of letting what they experience show like someone with BPD might

Median switching is not synonymous with erratic or impulsive behavior, nor an “out of control” feeling

See these links for more information.

Medians are those who happen to be less distinct than those in multiple systems, but still happen to be more distinct than a singlet (hence why they seek out answers as to what they’re expereiencing.) Medianhood/midcontinuity is not consider to be a disorder. This means that while it may be possible to dislike certain aspects of being a median (such as being more intertwined or sharing a body) it doesn’t have a negative impact on a person’s life and relationships. 

While there can be median systems who also have co-morbid BPD or even borderline traits, they are still separate conditions with their own presentation. Median systems do not present the same way as people with BPD, and largely do not experience the same level of discomfort as those with BPD do.