the-ribbon-system

[the-ribbon-system]

The origin story

Hi there, welcome to the ribbon system.

Because this is still fairly new to all of us, we would like to document our findings so it’s easier to teach things in the future. Things you do today you will be thankful for months from now right? Out of respect for my friend who does not know about this blog and I don't want to out anyone this may sound a bit weird as I omit their name and usernames.

We discovered we had DID after a conversation with our friend. We didn’t know what Dissociative Identity disorder was before this. On a public platform cleverly identified themselves as "a certain username system", to let other systems know they were in a safe space around them. Though they are not public about being a system other than that. A friend of mine who is studying psychology asked if I knew if they had DID. So I asked, and was educated on what it was. Naturally that led to a lot of questions. Over the course of 5 hours of education I came to the conclusion that I myself am a system. Because we were overwhelmed with how loud our mind suddenly became at this awakening they recommended using colors to help differentiate and identify. So we did. Here is the thing, I (Bow) was coming into my own and discovering myself. There are conversations from the past, some I will share (Edited for names and super stuff). But here is some of our early finding. I may italicize any addition notes I add. "Bow: There are a lot of common threads with DID that I don't share. So I don't know if it real or just "over active imagination" (See note below)

Like missing memories. Or force switching.

I think the host (Sara) is extremely controlling so the others don't front as often. (This was because Sara was keeping the other alters locked away and worked with chase to deny control.) Though my little (Rainbow) has been fronting hard nearly uncontrollably lately. But the host pulls her back if she throws a fit.

And the host (Sara) acts like there is no trauma. I know there are at least 2 trauma holders (Bethany and Magenta). One who is more vocal and moodie. And the other is completely nonverbal and just disassociates.

I think the thing that resonates with me most is the characters. Because that is what my host classifies them as. But they are such key parts of my personality as a whole. Most of my personality's are female but I know there is at least one boy (Alex) and one non binary (magenta). But they were locked away for so long I think they don't want to front, or communicate. It's more of a feeling. Like when I decided to cut my hair. There was an elated feeling that clearly wasn't coming from the host." Note: The missing memories and force switching was later disproven and it is something that has happened to us. Also our therapist has confirmed though it is a common theme with DID those are not required.

Well that was the very start a conversation over discord with a fellow system at 1am-4am.

[the-ribbon-system]

Welcome To The Ribbon System

Greeting friends,

My name is Bow and I am the systems manager of a DID (Dissociative identity disorder) system. We call ourselves "The Ribbon System" Because we are individual strands of alters that are working to come together and create one beautiful and cohesive person. (Please note: we are working towards collaboration, cooperation and harmony. We have no desire to fully integrate.) We have not come out to many people in our life so we wanted a place we could anonymously talk about our experience, and share our unique outlook in the world in a safe way. We hope through this blog we can share our story and normalize our disorder so others can find comfort, hope, or encouragement.

Below is a brief introduction to our alters: feel free to ask questions and we will do our best to answer them. Preferred name: pronouns (assigned color) Age (Role) Sexual preference

Bow: She/They (Blue) 31 (systems manager) Bi/pansexual; one of the main host. It was my idea to start the blog and will primarily be. I am a fairly new alter coming to the system around 2011. I am one of the few alters who can pretty accurately tell when I was needed and 'created'. I am the voice of the system and struggle with Anxiety and depression. Sara: She/her (Red) 31 (Old host) Straight - Old "leader" Christian ideals and fitting the norm. The original that the other alters split from. She doesn't front as much anymore. There was a shift in power where she was out numbered by the other alters. Rosie She/her (light pink) 25-35 (Mother aka: caretaker/caregiver) Bi/straight - Very sweet and loving. She gives great advice and wants us to be there for our friends and family. She treats everyone as her children and cares very much about the world. Bethany She/Them (purple) 18-27 (Protector/aggressor) Pansexual - Protector, face to face. Fronting eligible and willing. She is not afraid to start a fight or tell someone off. She is more then willing front if she has to and is unafraid of a challenge. Rain-bow She/Her (rainbow) 6-10 (Little) N/A - Like play time, and squishies (aka stuffed animals), and stimulating toys (coloring, play dough, some puzzles). She likes wearing bright colors and being treated like a princess.

Magenta They/Them (magenta) 7-25 (little/ Trauma holder) Bisexual/Demisexual - The age gap is big but that is what they said. They are non verbal, often disassociate. Has a lot of anxiety. Believed to hold the worst trauma. Strongest non binary presents. has many autistic tendencies. They realize that fronting might not be the best for the system. Is happiest when we are in a safe quite environment working on an activity that makes us happy and has low stakes, Like coloring.

Chase he/him (White) 27-35 (Protector/ Gatekeeper/ Sexual abuse warrior) straight - dad, feral, unlikely to front. Will co-host and be a voice if magenta needs one and doesn’t want a female voice. Will throw a punch. Gets shit done when main hosts are paralyzed. Beast She/They (gray) 27-35 (Body) Lesbian - the striving and driving force working towards the healthy body. Fronts for workouts. Can be aggressive, but like towards weights. She is closest to Bethany.

Alex he/they (Royal blue and silver?) 23ish young adult (unknown) Bisexual - male alter, gender fluid. Nice guy. Prince charming.

That's it nine beautiful ribbons in the system. We have other alters called "The Unknowns" Who honestly I don't know much about Chase is aware of these alters and keeps them in check. We are still learning a lot about ourselves, we were just diagnosed this last summer so there is a lot we don't know, but we are open to questions and would love to hear from you.