[junglejim]

I have reached the conclusion that one of my friends, whom I have commented on in prior posts, is suffering from DID.

My reasons for thinking this is that she has been diagnosed as ADD, has panic attacks, loses time, has new phobias she never had before, seems to forget conversations and events then remembers them again clearly later, and drinks non-stop. She has also taken some risky sexual actions with men or placed herself in a position for further abuse. You also feel that you are never sure which person/mood you are dealing with (one is very aggressive, and distrustful the other is very gentle and hurt).

She and her children were terribly abused (though she wasn't aware of what was happening to the kids until they were divorced) for many years. The abuse was physical, sexual and emotional. I also suspect, though she has never admitted, that some childhood abuse took place. I think the DID is as a result of trying to cope with all the abuse.

Unfortunately, I clued in too late. I pulled away because I could not get her to stop her drinking or seek help. I thought her problem was mostly alcoholism and hoped that she may see me pulling away as a friend as a time to rethink her actions. This was a mistake. She has now accused me of every evil under the sun and the 'Angry' person is out and already telling others that I am bad news so I have no idea how to help as she has no trust in me.

A good friend of mine said I should just walk away but she has three kids who have a mum looking to be a trainwreck. Any ideas or experience on how I can get her some help or have I blown it completely?

Thanks.