I just finished this book called "Switching Time" by Dr. Richard Baer, MD. This story is a true story of a lady named Karen Overhill who, as a result of living through a horrifically traumatic childhood and, later, marriage, ended up creating 17 different personalities for herself.

In a nutshell, Karen suffered from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder. The 17 alters were created at periods of her life where she, herself, could not tolerate what was happening to her.

This book is an amazing inside look at DID, and gives you a real account of what Karen was suffering throughout her life, even mere months after she was born. I will warn you, this book is NOT for the weak of stomach. There are horrendous details of her abuse, but they are necessary to bring forth the understanding of
her different personalities. Karen's Psychiatrist, Dr. Baer, works with her for a total of 18 years. 18 years!! Most of us can't even fathom sticking with something for that long. And he never once gives up on her, despite the personal struggles he experiences.

I don't want to go into detail, as those who are interested will check this book out at the local library. But let me tell you this, if you are interested in mental disorders, this is a book to read! I am so glad I read it! I picked it up at the library because I was looking for books on my topic for school last term. This did not fit the topic at all, but as soon as I saw it, I KNEW I HAD TO READ IT!!! It's incredible, it's heartwrenching, it makes you hug your own child just a bit tighter, it makes you remember to tell those you love how much you love them, and it makes you appreciate the life you have!