There are certain experiences that may highlight possible incidents of dissociation linked to another system member, and expose instances of plurality in an individual. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible for those in plural systems to know they are plural without someone external telling them, with some even having direct communication with other system members and switching consciously. Likewise, it is also possible for a system to function as multiple people yet be unaware that this is what they are doing, or that there is a name for what they are experiencing. Not every person who experiences dissociation or plurality is necessarily endogenic, however there are certain experiences that are particular to plurality, and to endogenic systems.
Generally, endogenic systems show signs of being plural while lacking pathological forms of dissociation or the distress that might lead to a diagnosis of DID or OSDD, or the conclusion of being a trauma-based system. While it is possible for a trauma-based system to also function as an endogenic system, this is rare. Traumagenic systems often experience lowered functioning due to aspects of trauma resurfacing and causing friction between members. System members who are deeply affected by trauma may invoke dissociation as a means of separating themselves from distressing memories, and turn to maladaptive coping mechanisms to manage their reactions and feelings. This may make working as a unit more of a challenge if not caught early on, but it is doable.
A common experience reported by many plural systems is hearing other voices (usually those of their headmates), and jarring mood and behavioral shifts that have no other cause or reason. The voices heard by plural systems are usually heard in the mind (not externally), and can be spoken to and interacted with. These voices may coincide with strange behavioral and identity changes, such as a normally extroverted non-nonreligious person suddenly "feeling different" and becoming a shy devout religious believer. Depending on the system in question, the specifics of this experience may vary- for example, a person with animal headmates may be more likely to have nonverbal communication or hear animalistic forms of communication and experience animalistic behavior than a person with completely human headmates. These voices often have their own identity and personhood, with interjections sometimes occurring even during dreams, as one system member meets or interacts with another while sleeping. These experiences are not explained by medication, alcohol, or other external factors, and the different behaviors or identity changes are often consistent with one another.
Many endogenic systems lack "roles" or possible purposes for system members. While not every traumagenic system has roles and they're not a requirement to be plural, many systems that possess roles or members who perform a set function have been in traumatic situations where someone having a job is necessary for functioning and surviving the traumatic event. Endogenic systems may be less likely to have roles due to this, although endogenic systems that have been through traumatic events may end up adopting a similar hierarchy. Likewise, many endogenic systems lack members who default to different headspace forms to protect others or as a psychological reaction to trauma. Without a traumatic base, most endogenic systems have forms either of their choosing, or involuntary set forms that have no traumatic cause.
The dissociation an endogenic system encounters is usually mild and manageable. While endogenic systems can and do dissociate, the dissociation reported by such systems is often minor or not very distressing, and may appear or disappear as the group switches fronters. An endogenic system that dissociates can often function through it, and while dissociation may be disruptive at times, it is usually not disruptive enough to cause memory gaps and amnesia. Maladaptive dissociation in other systems types may be linked to the resurfacing of traumatic memories, which would require intense dissociation to avoid in daily life. Over time this kind of dissociation can lead to amnesia or fugue, dissociative psychosis, and other negative and life-altering effects. Due to the lack of trauma involved in formation of an endogenic system, dissociation on this scale may be less likely to occur, as well as the comorbid conditions often associated with severe trauma-related dissociation, such as conversion and somatoform disorders.
Be aware that in rare cases, these experiences may indicate an underlying condition (either physical or mental) or other unusual experience imitating endogenic plurality. If being plural starts to become distressing beyond the usual (minor) social and mental issues, checking in with a psychologist or medical professional is recommended.
Regardless of what kind of plural system one is, it is important to keep the system in good health and functioning, and make sure everything is going well. Managing any dissociation and traumatic memories is essential for traumagenic systems, and even endogenic systems should pay attention to anything that may lower or affect normal functioning. Although most endogenic systems manage quite well from the start, taking note of how the system operates can often help prepare the system members inside for later trials or situations that may possibly arise.
Generally, endogenic systems show signs of being plural while lacking pathological forms of dissociation or the distress that might lead to a diagnosis of DID or OSDD, or the conclusion of being a trauma-based system. While it is possible for a trauma-based system to also function as an endogenic system, this is rare. Traumagenic systems often experience lowered functioning due to aspects of trauma resurfacing and causing friction between members. System members who are deeply affected by trauma may invoke dissociation as a means of separating themselves from distressing memories, and turn to maladaptive coping mechanisms to manage their reactions and feelings. This may make working as a unit more of a challenge if not caught early on, but it is doable.
A common experience reported by many plural systems is hearing other voices (usually those of their headmates), and jarring mood and behavioral shifts that have no other cause or reason. The voices heard by plural systems are usually heard in the mind (not externally), and can be spoken to and interacted with. These voices may coincide with strange behavioral and identity changes, such as a normally extroverted non-nonreligious person suddenly "feeling different" and becoming a shy devout religious believer. Depending on the system in question, the specifics of this experience may vary- for example, a person with animal headmates may be more likely to have nonverbal communication or hear animalistic forms of communication and experience animalistic behavior than a person with completely human headmates. These voices often have their own identity and personhood, with interjections sometimes occurring even during dreams, as one system member meets or interacts with another while sleeping. These experiences are not explained by medication, alcohol, or other external factors, and the different behaviors or identity changes are often consistent with one another.
Many endogenic systems lack "roles" or possible purposes for system members. While not every traumagenic system has roles and they're not a requirement to be plural, many systems that possess roles or members who perform a set function have been in traumatic situations where someone having a job is necessary for functioning and surviving the traumatic event. Endogenic systems may be less likely to have roles due to this, although endogenic systems that have been through traumatic events may end up adopting a similar hierarchy. Likewise, many endogenic systems lack members who default to different headspace forms to protect others or as a psychological reaction to trauma. Without a traumatic base, most endogenic systems have forms either of their choosing, or involuntary set forms that have no traumatic cause.
The dissociation an endogenic system encounters is usually mild and manageable. While endogenic systems can and do dissociate, the dissociation reported by such systems is often minor or not very distressing, and may appear or disappear as the group switches fronters. An endogenic system that dissociates can often function through it, and while dissociation may be disruptive at times, it is usually not disruptive enough to cause memory gaps and amnesia. Maladaptive dissociation in other systems types may be linked to the resurfacing of traumatic memories, which would require intense dissociation to avoid in daily life. Over time this kind of dissociation can lead to amnesia or fugue, dissociative psychosis, and other negative and life-altering effects. Due to the lack of trauma involved in formation of an endogenic system, dissociation on this scale may be less likely to occur, as well as the comorbid conditions often associated with severe trauma-related dissociation, such as conversion and somatoform disorders.
Be aware that in rare cases, these experiences may indicate an underlying condition (either physical or mental) or other unusual experience imitating endogenic plurality. If being plural starts to become distressing beyond the usual (minor) social and mental issues, checking in with a psychologist or medical professional is recommended.
Regardless of what kind of plural system one is, it is important to keep the system in good health and functioning, and make sure everything is going well. Managing any dissociation and traumatic memories is essential for traumagenic systems, and even endogenic systems should pay attention to anything that may lower or affect normal functioning. Although most endogenic systems manage quite well from the start, taking note of how the system operates can often help prepare the system members inside for later trials or situations that may possibly arise.