Imaginary Friends or Early System Parts?

Many children have imaginary friends, and for most it’s a normal stage of imagination. But if you grew up with trauma — especially the kind that leads to Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) — that “friend” may have been more than pretend. This video explores how early parts often show up as companions, protectors, or comforters, and why those memories may be signs of survival rather than fantasy.

You were told they were imaginary—but what if they weren’t? That invisible friend you used to talk to, play with, or cry with? They might have been more real than anyone knew.

Lots of kids have imaginary playmates. It’s a normal part of early imagination. But if you’ve lived through trauma—especially the kind that leads to a dissociative system—there’s a good chance that so-called “friend” was actually a part of you.

Many people with DID look back and remember someone who had their own name… their own likes and dislikes… maybe even their own voice. It wasn’t fantasy. It was survival. These early parts often show up to give you comfort, company, or protection when no one else could. And yes—plenty of kids talk to themselves or pretend. But if that friend had a whole personality… if you still remember their presence clearly… it may have been something deeper.

You weren’t just pretending. You were never truly alone. Your mind created what you needed to survive.