How did you discover your alters/your condition?

I think I discovered I may have OSDD/DID and/or an alter or a couple. I don’t really want to believe it entirely, but I just want some insight on how others discovered this part about themselves.

A few months ago, an alter named “Axel” randomly popped up to me, maybe saying he had been there for a good handful of years but i’m not entirely sure. I was having a super bad rough patch, so he just appeared in the middle of it. I proceeded to completely ignore his existence up until now and he has not gone away! This is all speculation, as I do not have a confirmed therapist yet, but i’m just trying to figure out ways to help myself.

How did you guys discover your condition or alters? Tips or advice are appreciated