Is it normal to have alter egos that are trying to take over?
First off, I used to use a lot of psychedelics for a couple years. I also had a nasty amphetamine (ecstasy, mephedrone, prescription etc) addiction for close to 8 months. During this time period I started feeling as if I had alter egos living inside me. While on amphetamines I would go to a couple of local clubs I always went to and do live artwork for the bands playing there. Eventually I started dressing in this particular style, wore fake glasses and started referring to myself as The Black Light Artist. I wrote a lot during this time period as well and most of what I've seen looking back points to general mania. I've started going to a psychiatrist who thinks I may be somewhere in the bipolar spectrum, but there are a few other things I haven't told him that I'm afraid to. Aside from The Black Light Artist, I've started seeing or rather experiencing these "other" forces that usually appear in the mirror. They are not separate identities, but rather manifest themselves through my body. The first one is a donkey which may represent my animalistic side, but many a time I've looked in the mirror to see a beast like face. There's also Jessica, who I believe is my feminine side personified. I don't know what she wants, but she always tries to make me act like a girl which I personally don't like at all. Then there's Doobie George. He seems to be some sort of demon figure who speaks in gibberish and wants to hurt people. I'm fascinated by serial killers and the macabre, so this may stem from those interests. I never act on what he suggests and I don't think I ever will, but I'm starting to feel like I"m losing control. Sometimes I'll space out and act like one of my characters (usually by myself) which scares me to death. I'm conscious during these episodes, but I feel like I'm being manipulated in a way. On a side note, I also can't drive at night without having panic attacks. If there's a car behind me, I always think it's a cop trying to get me. I've been arrested twice so it may be post arrest jitters, but I seem to be paranoid in general. I guess my question is am I insane? Is it normal to be like this? And should I tell my psychiatrist?