March 5

Multiple Personality Day

An awareness observance on March 5 raising awareness about Dissociative Identity Disorder and encouraging self-reflection on the various facets of one's personality.

Yearly Date

March 5

Observed in

United States

Introduction

It's time to celebrate Multiple Personality Day on March 5! This day was created in 2005 to recognize and celebrate the complex, often misunderstood condition known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). DID is a mental disorder in which a person has two or more distinct personalities. It can be an extremely challenging disorder for those affected, but it is also something that should be celebrated and embraced. Multiple Personality Day aims to do just that - to create awareness, spread understanding and acceptance of those living with DID.

Multiple Personality Day Timeline

1880

First Documented Case

"Louis Vive", also known as the "man with three faces", was the first documented case of dissociative identity disorder, also known as multiple personalities.

1957

The Three Faces of Eve

The book and subsequent film, The Three Faces of Eve, based on a factual case of dissociative identity disorder, helped popularise the condition.

1980

Inclusion in DSM-III

Multiple personality disorder gets officially recognized and included in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III).

2002

Initiation in Australia

Multiple Personality Day was initiated in Australia to increase awareness and understanding of the condition.

2016

Spotlight from Media

The release of the film "Split", although controversial, sparked public conversations about dissociative identity disorder and its portrayal in media.

How to Celebrate Multiple Personality Day

1 Host a costume party

Have your friends come over and dress up as a different personality. Not only will it be fun, but it can also help you learn more about yourself.

2 Create a scrapbook

Gather pictures of yourself in various roles or outfits and make a scrapbook of your different personalities. Have fun with the layout and make it unique.

3 Write a short story

Write a story about yourself and all of your different personas. Let your imagination run wild and explore the possibilities of who you could be.

4 Play a game

Play a game with friends where you each take on another personality and have to act out that character for the duration of the game.

5 Make a video

Put together a video of yourself in various costumes to show off your different personalities. Share it with family and friends to show them how creative you can be.

Why Multiple Personality Day is Important

It raises awareness about mental health

Multiple Personality Day brings attention to the often misunderstood condition of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), which is characterized by a person exhibiting multiple distinct personalities. By talking openly and honestly about DID, it helps to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health conditions and encourages understanding and acceptance of those living with them.

It promotes empathy

Multiple Personality Day is a chance to put yourself in someone else's shoes and understand their experience more deeply. It provides an insight into what life might be like for someone living with DID or dissociative disorders, creating greater compassion and understanding.

It shows support

By celebrating Multiple Personality Day, we are sending out a message of support and solidarity to those living with DID or other dissociative disorders. This international day of recognition can be an invaluable source of comfort and encouragement for those struggling with their mental wellbeing.