Maggie’s Music

The aim of the documentary is firstly to destigmatise and correct many myths surrounding DID. Secondly, to create a compassionate and positive attitude towards the disorder and its treatment in the community, particularly for psychologists, patients, educators and mental health practitioners. Thirdly, to expose the rich, intricate, original music compositions and arrangements by an Australian female composer to a wider general audience. Maggie’s PHD thesis reveals a unique process in allowing her alters to compose and collaborate, and along with the assistance of a psychologist, reflecting on what the music means. Current research indicates that while approximately 1% of the general population suffers from DID, the disorder remains undertreated and underrecognized because of its ties with childhood sexual abuse. The average DID patient spends 7-8 years in the mental health system before being correctly diagnosed. Accurate diagnosis is critical for appropriate treatment planning.

The ultimate aim of the documentary is to provide inspiration for others living with dissociative identity disorder or childhood trauma to find peace and joy in their lives through their creative pursuits. Our documentary embarks on a journey to destigmatize and dispel misconceptions surrounding DID, fostering empathy and support. Through the lens of Maggie’s ground-breaking personal journey, we will illuminate the transformative power of music in navigating DID and treatment. Although the documentary is a story about an Australian woman, DID is a worldwide problem caused by severe childhood abuse. With over 1% of the worlds population affected, yet often undiagnosed, our initiative drives dialogue, empowering patients, professionals, and communities. We aim to build awareness, and pave the path towards acceptance and healing. On another level, our documentary will be inspirational to older women, showing how Maggie is an Australian composer and successfully completing a PHD.

Maggie Bell was sexually abused by her brother and maternal grandfather from 5 years old and her mother did nothing to stop this abuse, this is the reason she has dissociative identity disorder. As Robert Oxnam wrote in his book titled, A Fractured Mind: My Life with Multiple Personality Disorder
”DID is nothing to be ashamed of. I see it as a symbol of strength, because I am a survivor – not of mental illness, but of child abuse.
I want everyone to understand that those of us with DID are not freaks with multiple personalities. We are survivors.”
Raise awareness and deepen understanding about Dissociative Identity Disorder. We would like to present our documentary at the the Healing Together Conference 2025 USA.
We also aim to have a concert of Maggie’s music by Australian musicians held at Griffith University Qld Conservatorium. I have followed IN MY BLOOD it runs and hope to initiate similar impact campaigns.

Our main protagonist Maggie Bell, has dissociative identity disorder (DID) formerly known as Multiple Personality disorder. We have now filmed four interviews with Maggie and have slowly gained her trust.
Dr Jan Ewing is a fully qualified clinical psychologist and clinical neuropsychologist. She is an elected Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society, the Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment and the International Society for the Study of Trauma & Dissociation.
Through Dr Ewing we have access to over 2000 worldwide mental health practitioners. We also have letters of support from experts Prof. Warwick Middleton, Brisbane and Richard Chefetz MD, Washington USA.
Dr Ewing and Maggie are also guests on the podcast No Laughing Matter, with Tanya Lee – CorriLee Foundation Founder.

CHANGING MINDS: Raise awareness and deepen understanding about Dissociative Identity Disorder
Target audience: general public, mental health nurses, psychologists, educators.
BUILDING COMMUNITIES: Foster a constituency with the power to advocate for what they need
Target audience: patients with DID; caregivers and families of people with DID; community mental health organisations, and patient advocates
CHANGING BEHAVIORS: Inspire research and funding, and improve education about DID
Target audience: medical practitioners, medical students, and researchers
CHANGING STRUCTURES: Politicians who set the agenda for investigations such as Royal Commissions so that intrafamilial childhood abuse is recognised for the hugely prevalent negative influence on our society that it is.
Donate directly to the community groups working to change the system such as Bravehearts.