Are You Losing Time? What It Means in DID
(Summary) If you live with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), you may already know what it feels like to “lose time.” These episodes of time loss are actually a form of dissociative amnesia—where another part of you fronts, acts, or makes decisions, but you have no memory of it afterward. In this article, we’ll explore what time loss is, why it happens in DID, and when to consider seeking professional evaluation.
If you have DID, you’ve probably experienced lost time. That is, there may be periods of time in your normal life that you have zero recollection of. It might be minutes, hours, or even multiple days that you have no memory of. These are two examples of time loss:
- You might see a text exchange with someone or messages on Facebook or other social media that you have absolutely no recollection or knowledge of.
- You may find yourself in a place without any idea of how you got there.
What Time Loss Is
Time loss like this is actually amnesia and it’s a very common experience in DID. Just as you have amnesia for some parts of your past, this time loss is amnesia in your present.
What is Happening with Time Loss
Assuming that your inability to remember a recent period of time is not due to substance use or inattention due from stress, what is going on? Time loss happens when there switching is occurring and different parts front. For instance, one alter might front and respond to a message that perhaps you weren’t sure how to respond to. Then later, when you are fronting again, you see the message but of course don’t remember writing it because you were not conscious at the time. That other part was conscious and in control.
It’s the same for “coming to” some place with no idea how you got there. Some other part of your system was fronting and took you to that location. Then, for whatever reason, you were suddenly fronting again but with no idea of how you got there or why you are there. You might not even know where “there” is. This can be unsettling!
Consider Seeking a Professional Evaluation
If you are losing time and it’s not because of stress or substance use and you don’t have a diagnosis of a dissociative disorder, you may want to see a mental health professional who understands dissociative disorders to be evaluated for a dissociative disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “time loss” mean in Dissociative Identity Disorder?
In DID, time loss refers to periods where you have no memory of what happened, even though life carried on around you. This can range from minutes to days. It’s a form of dissociative amnesia that happens when another part fronts and you’re not consciously present.
How is DID time loss different from everyday forgetfulness?
Everyday forgetting usually involves minor details or distraction, while DID time loss involves full blocks of missing memory. You may discover messages you don’t remember sending, purchases you didn’t realize you made, or find yourself in an unfamiliar place with no idea how you got there. These gaps are not typical and point to dissociation.
What causes time loss in DID?
Time loss happens when switching occurs and another part of the system takes control. That part may handle conversations, tasks, or even travel without your conscious awareness. When you return to fronting, you may feel as though you’ve “come to” suddenly in a new situation with no memory of what just happened.
Is time loss always a sign of DID?
Not always. Stress, fatigue, or substance use can also cause memory gaps, though those usually feel different and have identifiable causes. If your lost time can’t be explained by these factors, and especially if it happens often, it may indicate a dissociative disorder.
When should I seek professional help for time loss?
If you regularly experience lost time and it can’t be explained by stress, distraction, or substances, it’s important to consult a mental health professional. Look for someone trained in dissociative disorders, as they can provide an accurate evaluation and recommend appropriate support.