I would still say, as long as they are a separate entity from yourself, even if they appear as different versions of yourself they are still separate alters.

That answer will be different depending on who you ask, professional or not. DID is still a disorder that is trying to be studied and figured out amongst professional psychologists. Unfortunately, it's difficult for DID to be studied due to the fact that every DID system is different. Even if the same trauma was experienced at the same time by the same person, the way the brain protects itself is unique to each individual. That's what makes it so hard to not only diagnose but to also treat. If you need someone to talk to feel free to DM us. I'm Layla, the host of the StoneHaven System.

Our system has many of what we call "snapshot" alters which are essentially fully formed alters with amnesiac walls and individual experiences that split off after the snapshot took place. They have identical experiences from before the snapshot to the host. We also have several alters who age slide and can feel like a younger version of themselves and when they feel younger they have a different personality and need different reassurances etc. We define these things differently based on the amnesiac walls because that's what works best for us. The brain's defense mechanisms are complex, little understood and we believe labeling such a complex thing is only useful if those labels help you move forward. We recommend you focus on finding what those younger versions of yourself need and making those accomodations. Our inbox is always open- Nat of the Auroraven system.

Yeah I am the same way. My "alters" are just me but at different points of my life. It's not an age thing it's more emotional. I tell you it's scary to live in the now.

I've seen that described as OSDD1a - but honestly, the overlap between the different conditions with alters tends to overrule the distinctions. Doesn't matter how it's labelled as long as the label is working for you. You can see multiple clinicians and get multiple different diagnoses for the same set of problems, so if you've been told DID then just roll with it (unless it doesn't feel right). Alters can be whatever the brain wants them to be, including different versions of one person